"Here's What Might Be In Biden's First Climate Order"

"Joe Biden could mark his first day as president with one or more executive orders announcing plans to rejoin the Paris Agreement, submit a global deal on refrigerants for ratification and deliver on the sweeping climate pledges he made on the campaign trail.

People in contact with Biden's transition team say they expect a spate of early communications on top policy priorities for the new administration, including on climate change. Those orders are believed to still be under development as the incoming administration races to position top nominees amid a turbulent transition of power. Gina McCarthy is moving quickly to establish herself as the national climate adviser, having finished her tenure at the Natural Resources Defense Council last week.

In addition to reentering the Paris Agreement, the administration could be considering how to make early statements related to Biden's pledge to zero out power sector carbon by 2035, advance legislation on carbon-free new commercial buildings by 2030 and decarbonize the nation's transportation system.

"There is work underway as I understand it on what those things will look like and what the priorities will be," said Nathaniel Keohane, vice president for international climate at the Environmental Defense Fund and a former special assistant to President Obama."

Jean Chemnick reports for E&E News January 11, 2021.

Source: E&E News, 01/12/2021