Editor’s note: We are updating this blog as President Biden issues new executive orders that target the climate crisis, equity and land protection. Last update: 01/27/2021
President Biden and Vice President Harris have just moved into the White House, but with no time to waste, they’re already taking monumental action to curb the climate crisis and recalibrate the management of our shared public lands toward the benefit of all people.
They’ve issued a number of executive orders and other directives, including rejoining the Paris Agreement, prioritizing racial equity across government, and reviewing more than 100 of Trump’s damaging environmental rollbacks. Soon, President Biden is expected to add a major order setting a goal of protecting 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, halting new oil and gas leasing on public lands and prioritizing equity and environmental justice in federal agencies.
While these actions will take effect over time, they set a course for the nation to tackle climate change and prioritize the health of our communities before the profits of polluters.
We’re happy to say that many of these solutions take crucial steps toward reimagining our public lands and waters as part of the climate solution, rather than the problem.
Highlights from President Biden’s Day-One Executive Orders:
