The upcoming 2024 election will be a battleground for environmental policies, with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump vying for support. As the stakes rise, both sides will make their case on climate change, energy production, and environmental regulations.
With the 2024 election on the horizon, politics will dominate the energy and environmental arena. President Joe Biden will seek to convince voters of his climate and environmental accomplishments while promising more in a second term. Meanwhile, the Biden administration will rush to finalize significant environmental rules early in the year to prevent them from being overturned, as some Obama-era rules were when Trump took office. Green groups and Democrats will emphasize Trump’s negative impact on the environment, while the GOP and industry groups will criticize Biden’s climate agenda. While major legislation may be unlikely in a divided Congress during an election year, surprises are always possible, and court cases pending this year could reshape the climate and environmental landscape.
Biden’s Climate and Energy Record Under Scrutiny
The Biden administration spent much of 2023 traveling the country to promote its climate and energy policies. While the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act was a significant win, polling suggests that the law has not received the public support the White House anticipated. As Biden’s record on climate and energy becomes a focal point, Republican candidates will likely attack his policies during the primary and general election campaigns. However, the impact of these attacks may be limited if gas prices remain low.
The High Stakes of the 2024 Election
Major environmental groups are gearing up to defend Biden and highlight the risks of a Trump return to the White House. They argue that the progress made under the Biden administration is at risk, emphasizing the need for continued Democratic control of the Senate and White House, as well as a change in leadership in the House. However, not all environmental activists are satisfied with the Biden administration’s efforts, as groups like Climate Defiance demand more aggressive action to reduce emissions.
Regulatory Battles and Climate Rules
The Biden administration plans to roll out a range of rules on issues such as public lands management, endangered species policies, and climate change. These regulations are crucial for setting standards and ensuring environmental protection. Key items on the agenda include climate rules for power plants and vehicles. Experts and environmental advocates urge the administration to finalize these rules quickly to avoid potential repeal under the Congressional Review Act, as happened with Obama-era rules in 2017.
The Supreme Court’s Role
A potentially significant Supreme Court decision looms over Biden’s regulatory plans. The court may challenge the Chevron doctrine, which grants federal agencies the authority to interpret laws and defend environmental regulations against legal challenges. A repeal of Chevron could have far-reaching consequences for energy and environmental regulations. This uncertainty poses a significant challenge to the Biden administration’s ability to implement its policies.
Legal Battles and Corporate Responsibility
Legal cases holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their emissions will also be closely watched. A Montana judge’s ruling in 2023, which found that state lawmakers had violated young people’s constitutional rights by ignoring the effects of fossil fuel projects, sets a precedent. Similar cases may emerge, further highlighting the need for corporate responsibility in addressing climate change.
Gridlock on Capitol Hill
Given the current political climate, more gridlock is expected on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers have struggled to work together, even on basic tasks like funding the government. This dynamic is unlikely to change during an election year. While lawmakers from both parties express interest in streamlining the permitting process for energy projects, major energy and environmental legislation is unlikely.
The Unpredictability of Catalysts
Despite the challenging political environment, unforeseen events could drive legislative action. The Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine serve as recent examples of unexpected catalysts leading to a flurry of congressional activity. While the status quo may not bode well for major energy and environmental legislation, it is essential to remain open to the possibility of unforeseen events shaping the political landscape.
Conclusion: The 2024 election will be a critical battleground for environmental policies. President Joe Biden will defend his climate and energy record, while former President Donald Trump aims to discredit his accomplishments. The outcome of this election will have far-reaching implications for the environment, with potential changes to climate rules, regulatory frameworks, and corporate responsibility. As the battle intensifies, voters will play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy and the environment in the United States.
