Primary Source Records · Source Documents
The White House: Climate
The previous administration's climate pages — the policies, the targets and the commitments, in its own words. An incoming administration replacing the site it inherited is ordinary and expected; what is not ordinary is that the superseded version stops being readable at all. Captured 16 January 2025, four days before the transition.
- Period
- 2025
- Region
- United States
- Language
- English
- Rights
- Public domain. A work of the United States Government is not subject to copyright under 17 U.S.C. § 105, so this is held in full with no exception claimed and none needed. Published by Executive Office of the President at https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate/, which returned HTTP 404 when last checked on 2026-09-22.
- Source
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate/
Full text
THE WHITE HOUSE: CLIMATE Executive Office of the President
Captured from the Internet Archive on 2026-09-22. This file holds 10 pages from whitehouse.gov/climate, the most substantial the Archive has beneath that address. It is a capture of what was published there, not a complete mirror: pages the Archive never visited are not here, and neither are images, datasets or downloads. Each page is headed with its title, its address and its capture date.
National Climate Task Force | The White House www.whitehouse.gov/climate/?stream=top — captured 2021-10-20
PRESIDENT BIDEN’S WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT EFFORT TO TACKLE THE CLIMATE CRISIS
“This is a case where conscience and convenience cross paths, where dealing with this existential threat to the planet and increasing our economic growth and prosperity are one and the same. When I think of climate change … I think of jobs.”
On Day One, President Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement, restored U.S. leadership on the world stage, and reestablished our position to tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad. Days later, he took executive actions to ensure we tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad – all while creating jobs and growing our economy. And each day since, he has taken decisive action to reduce emissions, advance environmental justice, and create good-paying, union jobs.
President Biden formed the first-ever National Climate Task Force — mobilizing every agency to prioritize acting on climate change throughout the entire federal government. From curbing emissions, strengthening resilience, protecting public health, advancing equity, conserving lands and waters, and spurring economic growth, combatting climate change is central to every mission across the United States government.
The President also convened the first-ever Leaders Summit on Climate, a historic gathering of more than 40 world leaders that affirmed the need for unprecedented global cooperation and ambition. The President also organized a leader-level convening of the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate and pledged to quadruple our international climate finance . On the road to COP26 in Glasgow and beyond, President Biden will continue rallying the rest of the world to step up, underscoring how strong domestic action goes hand-in-hand with international leadership.
The 2020s is a decisive decade for the world to confront climate change and avoid the worst and irreversible impacts of the crisis by keeping the goal of 1.5 degree Celsius limit on global average temperature rise within reach. And the countries who take urgent and decisive action will reap the economic and jobs benefits of the clean energy future.
President Biden knows this, which is why has taken clear action to create a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future, building on past U.S. leadership of states, Tribes, and Territories, and local governments. And with his Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and Build Back Better Agenda , his efforts would be supercharged with the transformational investments that unlock the full economic and climate potential of his agenda.
- Set a target of 50% electric vehicle sales shares in 2030, and aligned ambition among automakers and the United Autoworkers (UAW)
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) are advancing smart fuel efficiency and emissions standards that can reduce around two billion metric tons of carbon pollution
- Accelerated the deployment of electric vehicles and chargers and move the U.S. federal fleet to zero-emission vehicles, the largest civilian vehicle fleet in the world
- Coordinated leadership and innovation across the federal government, aircraft manufactures, airlines, fuel producers, and more to produce three billion gallons of sustainable fuel and reduce aviation emissions by 20% in 2030
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing funding through the Electric Loan Program to build or improve rural electric infrastructure in 11 states, including expansion of smart grid technologies ; and through the Rural Energy for America Program to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided critical funding for electric power system enhancements in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
INDUSTRY SECTOR
- Mobilizing the entire U.S. government to take historic actions that phase down super-polluting hydrofluorocarbons — one of the most impactful federal efforts to reduce climate pollution in decades while strengthening domestic manufacturing
President Biden has made historic commitments to use every lever at his disposal to advance environmental justice, create good-paying, union jobs, and spur economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities, particularly those like communities of color and low-income communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment in housing, transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, and health care.
MORE ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND WORKERS
- Created the first-ever White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council to confront longstanding environmental injustices and ensure historically marginalized, polluted, and overburdened communities have greater input on federal policies and decisions.
- Launched the Justice40 Initiative to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy flow to disadvantaged communities.
One in three Americans have grappled with extreme weather events in the last year alone. As extreme weather events increase in frequency and ferocity, the U.S. is taking bold steps to strengthen the nation’s resilience to severe impacts climate change has on our communities, infrastructure, economies, and more.
- Developed more than 20 federal agencies plans that will ensure facilities and operations become more resilient and adapt to climate change impacts
While the U.S. has committed itself to addressing the climate crisis, countries across the globe must also step up given that more than 85% of emissions come from beyond our borders. President Biden and his team are rallying global peers to take the decisive action needed in this decade to tackle the climate crisis.
MORE ON INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
- On Earth Day, President Biden convened 40 world leaders for a historic Leaders Summit on Climate to galvanize efforts from major economies to tackle the climate crisis and underscore the urgency and economic benefits of decisive action – growing the coalition to include strong NDCs from Canada and Japan
- Announced the Build Back Better World (B3W) infrastructure initiative at the G7 to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars between G7 members and the private sector in sustainable, infrastructure investment for low- and middle-income countries and achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement
- Brought about the Global Methane Pledge with the European Union, aligned with our domestic methane strategy, an initiative to reduce one of the most potent greenhouse gases
- Doubled the U.S. pledge to international climate finance last month at the UN General Assembly to help achieve the collective $100 billion global pledge to support developing countries
- President Biden and fellow G7 Leaders agreed to a set of concrete actions to move away from unabated coal and, for the first time in history, all G7 Leaders aligned their long-term and short-term climate goals consistent with keeping the 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming threshold within reach
- Quadrupled the U.S. international climate finance pledge at the UN General Assembly to help achieve the collective $100 billion global pledge to support developing countries
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate/?utm_source=link
President Obama's Plan to Fight Climate Change | The White House www.whitehouse.gov/climate-change%20 — captured 2015-02-10
In June 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the Clean Power Plan – the first-ever carbon pollution standards for existing power plants that will protect the health of our children and put our nation on the path toward a 30 percent reduction in carbon pollution from the power sector by 2030. Power plants are the largest single source of carbon pollution, accounting for about one-third of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions. The Clean Power Plan will set standards for carbon pollution from power plants, just as we have set limits on power plant emissions of arsenic, mercury, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and soot.
In November 2014, in a historic joint announcement with China, President Obama laid out an ambitious but achievable target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States in the range of 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025, while China announced its intent to peak carbon emissions around 2030 and to double its share of zero-carbon energy to 20 percent. The announcement was a historic step for climate change action and for the U.S.-China relationship, as the world’s two largest economies, energy consumers, and carbon emitters came together to demonstrate leadership on an issue that affects the entire world.
THE COST OF DELAYING ACTION
STAND WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA ON HIS PLAN TO ACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE.
Thank You
You told the President you're in — now let your friends know, too.
FACEBOOK TWITTER
DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE, THE WEATHER IS GETTING MORE EXTREME
Due to climate change,
THE WEATHER IS GETTING MORE EXTREME
TEMPERATURES ARE RISING ACROSS THE U.S.
2014 was the hottest year on record globally, and temperatures from 2001 to 2012 were warmer than any previous decade in every region of the United States. Explore this interactive map from the National Climate Assessment to learn more.
2014 WAS THE HOTTEST YEAR ON RECORD GLOBALLY
Also in 2012:
WARMEST YEAR ON RECORD FOR THE U.S.
Doesn't include Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories.
RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES TIED OR BROKEN
In the United States.
Source: NOAA, State of the Climate Report
Above Average
ONE-THIRD OF THE U.S. POPULATION EXPERIENCED 100˚ TEMPERATURES for ten or more days.
DROUGHTS, WILDFIRES, AND FLOODS ARE ALL MORE FREQUENT AND INTENSE
PRECIPITATION WAS 2.57 INCHES BELOW THE 20TH CENTURY AVERAGE
15TH DRIEST YEAR ON RECORD
We can choose to believe that Superstorm Sandy, and the most severe drought in decades, and the worst wildfires some states have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence. Or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science — and act before it's too late." - President Obama
CARBON POLLUTION
We're still contributing to the problem
CARBON POLLUTION IS THE BIGGEST DRIVER OF CLIMATE CHANGE
GLOBAL TEMPERATURES AND CARBON DIOXIDE LEVELS ARE ON THE RISE
The global annual average temperature has increased by more than 1.5 degrees F between 1880 and 2012. This interactive graph from the National Climate Assessment shows the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide over the same time period. Climate scientists say we need to avert an additional 2-degree temperature increase to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
WE'VE MADE PROGRESS THANKS TO:
Since President Obama took office, the U.S. increased solar generation by more than ten-fold and tripled electricity production from wind power.
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PLAN TO CUT CARBON POLLUTION
THE PRESIDENT’S PLAN TO CUT CARBON POLLUTION IN AMERICA
In June 2014, EPA proposed the Clean Power Plan — the first-ever carbon pollution standards for existing power plants that will protect the health of our children and put our nation on the path toward a 30 percent reduction in carbon pollution from the power sector by 2030.
CONTINUING THE MOMENTUM FOR THE FUTURE:
The EPA is expected to finalize standards for new and existing power plants in summer 2015.
ACCELERATING CLEAN ENERGY LEADERSHIP
During the President’s first term, the United States more than doubled generation of electricity from wind and solar energy.
Since President Obama took office, the U.S. has increased solar generation by more than ten-fold and tripled electricity production from wind power.
Since the President took office, the Department of the Interior has permitted over 50 wind, solar, and geothermal utility-scale projects on public or tribal lands. The projects could support over 20,000 jobs and generate enough electricity to power 4.8 million homes.
DOE’s Solar Instructor Training Network will support community college training programs to help 50,000 workers enter the solar industry by 2020. DOE’s SunShot Solar Instructor Training Network is partnering with military bases to create a veterans solar job training pilot.
Building on our progress in wind and solar, the Administration announced over 350 private and public-sector commitments to deploy over 885 MW of solar — enough to power over 130,000 homes — and cut energy waste in more than 1.4 billion square feet of U.S. buildings.
To ensure America’s continued leadership position in clean energy, President Obama has set new goals.
2015
President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2015 Budget continues to further American leadership by investing approximately $6.9 billion in funding for clean energy technology programs. This includes investment in a range of energy technologies, from advanced biofuels and emerging nuclear technologies to clean coal.
BUILDING A 21ST CENTURY CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
Heavy-duty vehicles (commercial trucks, vans, and buses) are currently the second largest source of greenhouse gas pollution within the transportation sector.
In January 2014, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum establishing the federal government’s first Quadrennial Energy Review (QER) process, with an initial focus on our nation’s energy infrastructure.
In February 2014, President Obama directed EPA and DOT to develop and issue the next phase of heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards. The standards are proposed in March 2015 and finalized in March 2016.
In 2011, the Administration finalized fuel economy standards for Model Year 2014-2018 for heavy-duty trucks, buses, and vans. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 270 million metric tons and save 530 million barrels of oil.
In 2014, 85 new partners joined the Better Buildings Challenge . Over 190 organizations have committed to energy savings. Ninety cities and states, utilities, manufacturers, and data center owners also joined the Accelerators .
In President Obama’s first term, DOE and HUD completed efficiency upgrades in nearly two million homes, saving many families more than $400 on their heating and cooling bills in the first year alone.
In December 2013, the Department of Agriculture announced it will provide up to $250 million to help businesses and residential customers in rural areas cut their energy bills through energy efficiency and renewable energy use.
In 2014, DOE issued nine proposed and 10 final energy conservation standards for appliances and equipment. If finalized and combined with rules already issued, the energy savings will help cut consumers’ electricity bills by hundreds of billions of dollars.
The Administration will continue to take a range of new steps geared toward cutting energy waste and achieving President Obama’s goal of doubling energy productivity by 2030, relative to 2010 levels.
To continue the success of the President’s Better Buildings Challenge, the Administration will continue to expand Better Buildings Accelerators to support and encourage adoption of state and local policies to cut energy waste and save consumers and families money.
2030
The Administration will build on its progress and continue to establish impactful energy conservation standards for appliances that — when combined with the progress already underway from the first term — will reduce carbon pollution by at least 3 billion metric tons by 2030, equivalent to more than a year's carbon pollution from our entire electricity system.
REDUCING OTHER GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are among the fastest-growing greenhouse gases. Methane, another potent greenhouse gas, accounted for nearly 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2012. If we don’t act, U.S. emissions of HFCs are expected to nearly triple by 2030, and methane will increase to a level equivalent to over 620 million tons of carbon pollution.
In September 2014, the White House announced new private-sector commitments and executive actions to decrease HFC emissions, reducing the equivalent of 700 million metric tons of carbon emissions globally through 2025.
In March 2014, the Administration released a Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions from landfills, coal mining, agriculture, and oil and gas systems through voluntary actions and common-sense standards.
The United States must lead through international diplomacy and domestic actions to reduce emissions and transition to safer and more substantial options.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Interior, Labor, and Transportation will implement a comprehensive, interagency methane strategy. The EPA will also use its authority under the Clean Air Act to encourage private sector investment in low-emissions technology by identifying and approving climate-friendly chemicals while prohibiting certain uses of more harmful HFCs.
MOVING FORWARD
When it comes to the oil and gas sector, investments to build and upgrade gas pipelines will not only put more Americans to work, but also reduce emissions and enhance economic productivity. The Obama Administration will work collaboratively with state governments, as well as the private sector, to reduce emissions across multiple sectors, improve air quality, and achieve public health and economic benefits.
FEDERAL LEADERSHIP
Since 2008, federal agencies have reduced greenhouse gas pollution by more than 17 percent — the equivalent of permanently taking 1.8 million cars off the road.
Expanded energy performance contracts from $2 billion to $4 billion to provide energy efficiency upgrades for Federal buildings, at no net cost to the taxpayer.
In December 2013, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the federal government to buy at least 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
President Obama believes that the federal government must be a leader in clean energy and energy efficiency.
The federal government will consume 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 — more than double the current goal of 7.5 percent.
The President committed to reduce the federal government’s direct greenhouse gas emissions by 28 percent below 2008 levels by 2020.
Even as we take new steps to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, we must also prepare for the impacts of a changing climate that are already being felt across the country.
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PLAN TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
The President's Plan Will
…Science, accumulated and reviewed over decades, tells us that our planet is changing in ways that will have profound impacts on all of humankind…those who are already feeling the effects of climate change don’t have time to deny it—they’re busy dealing with it.” - President Obama, 2013 Read the Press Release
On May 6, the Administration released the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA), the most authoritative and comprehensive source of scientific information to date about climate change impacts across all U.S. regions and on critical sectors of the economy. The NCA serves as a critical resource for informing climate preparedness and response decisions across the nation.
The President's State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, which is made up of 26 Governors, county executives, mayors and tribal leaders, released its recommendation.
In August 2013, the Hurricane Sandy Task Force delivered a rebuilding strategy that is serving as a model for communities across the nation.
LAUNCH AN EFFORT TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT HOSPITALS
Establish a public-private partnership on increasing resilience of the health care industry.
In December 2014, the Administration released a guide providing best practices for increasing the resilience of health care facilities.
MAINTAIN AGRICULTURE PRODUCTIVITY
Deliver tailored, science-based knowledge to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to help them understand and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
USDA established seven new “ regional climate hubs ” to help farmers and ranchers adapt their operations to a changing climate.
PROVIDE TOOLS FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Include existing and newly developed climate preparedness tools and information that state, local and private-sector leaders need to make smart decisions.
In March 2014, the Administration launched the Climate Data Initiative , bringing together extensive open government data and innovation competitions to develop data-driven resilience tools for communities.
In November 2014, the Administration released the Climate Resilience Toolkit to provide easy, intuitive access to federal tools that can help planners and decision makers conduct their work in the context of a changing climate.
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PLAN WILL LEAD INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO ADDRESS GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
We are making progress with key partners on issues such as renewably energy deployment, hydroflourocarbon (HFC) emissions, vehicle emissions standards, energy efficiency, and clean energy initiatives.
The U.S. continues to spearhead the Climate and Clean Air Coalition which has expanded to more than 100 partners, including 46 countries. The Coalition is implementing ten initiatives to reduce emissions of methane, HFCs, and black carbon.
REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION
In November 2013, the U.S., Norway, and the U.K. launched a public-private partnership to support forests in developing countries, with the goal of reducing emissions from deforestation and promoting sustainable agriculture. The initiative has identified its first four priority countries and begun initial work.
NEGOTIATE GLOBAL FREE TRADE IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOODS AND SERVICES
In July 2014, the U.S. and 13 other WTO members, representing 86% of global trade in environmental goods, launched negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) to achieve global free trade in clean technologies.
In November 2014, the President announced the U.S.'s intention to contribute $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund to cut carbon pollution and strengthen developing countries' resilience. This helped increase the number and ambition of other countries’ contributions, and our leadership helped propel the fund's initial capitalization over $10 billion.
The U.S. has committed to expand major new and existing international initiatives, including bilateral initiatives with China, India, and other major emitting countries.
We will lead global public sector financing toward cleaner energy by ending U.S. government financial support for new coal-fired power plants overseas, with limited exceptions.
MAKE SURE YOU GET THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE
President Obama's Plan to Fight Climate Change | The White House www.whitehouse.gov/climate-change?thanks=1&sid=79427291 — captured 2016-02-07
THE COST OF DELAYING ACTION
CLEAN POWER PLAN
THE CLEAN POWER PLAN
The Clean Power Plan sets achievable standards to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. By setting these goals and enabling states to create tailored plans to meet them, the Plan will:
PROTECT THE HEALTH OF AMERICAN FAMILIES. IN 2030, IT WILL:
- Prevent up to 3,600 premature deaths
- Prevent 1,700 non-fatal heart attacks
- Prevent 90,000 asthma attacks in children
- Prevent 300,000 missed workdays and schooldays
BOOST OUR ECONOMY BY:
- Leading to 30 percent more renewable energy generation in 2030
- Creating tens of thousands of jobs
- Continuing to lower the costs of renewable energy
SAVE THE AVERAGE AMERICAN FAMILY:
- Nearly $85 a year on their energy bills in 2030
- Save enough energy to power 30 million homes in 2030
- Save consumers $155 billion from 2020-2030
WATCH NOW: THE PRESIDENT ON THE CLEAN POWER PLAN
DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE, THE WEATHER IS GETTING MORE EXTREME
Due to climate change,
THE WEATHER IS GETTING MORE EXTREME
TEMPERATURES ARE RISING ACROSS THE U.S.
2014 was the hottest year on record globally, and 2015 is on track to break that record.
2014 WAS THE HOTTEST YEAR ON RECORD GLOBALLY
Also in 2012:
WARMEST YEAR ON RECORD FOR THE U.S.
Doesn't include Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories.
RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES TIED OR BROKEN
In the United States.
Source: NOAA, State of the Climate Report
Above Average
ONE-THIRD OF THE U.S. POPULATION EXPERIENCED 100˚ TEMPERATURES for ten or more days.
DROUGHTS, WILDFIRES, AND FLOODS ARE ALL MORE FREQUENT AND INTENSE
PRECIPITATION WAS 2.57 INCHES BELOW THE 20TH CENTURY AVERAGE
15TH DRIEST YEAR ON RECORD
We can choose to believe that Superstorm Sandy, and the most severe drought in decades, and the worst wildfires some states have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence. Or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science — and act before it's too late." - President Obama
CARBON POLLUTION
We’re still contributing to the problem
CARBON POLLUTION IS THE BIGGEST DRIVER OF CLIMATE CHANGE
GLOBAL TEMPERATURES AND CARBON DIOXIDE LEVELS ARE ON THE RISE
The global annual average temperature has increased by more than 1.5 degrees F between 1880 and 2012. This interactive graph from the National Climate Assessment shows the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide over the same time period. Climate scientists say we need to avert an additional 2-degree temperature increase to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.
WE’VE MADE PROGRESS THANKS TO:
Since President Obama took office, the U.S. increased solar generation by twenty-fold and tripled electricity production from wind power.
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PLAN TO CUT CARBON POLLUTION
THE PRESIDENT’S CLEAN POWER PLAN
In August 2015, we established the Clean Power Plan — the first-ever carbon pollution standards for existing power plants, protecting the health of our children and working toward a 32 percent reduction in carbon pollution by 2030.
CONTINUING THE MOMENTUM FOR THE FUTURE:
The EPA is expected to finalize standards for new and existing power plants in summer 2015.
EXPANDING THE CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY
Since the President took office, the administration has made the largest investment in clean energy in American history, including increasing solar generation by twenty-fold and tripling electricity production from wind power. The Clean Power Plan will lead to 30% more renewable energy generation in 2030.
Since 2009, the Department of the Interior permitted more than 50 clean energy utility-scale projects on public or tribal lands. The projects could support over 20,000 jobs and generate enough electricity to power 4.8 million homes.
The Administration launched Solar Ready Vets, an initiative to train transitioning veterans to enter the solar workforce and meet our goal to train 75,000 people to enter the solar workforce by 2020.
President Obama has created a new initiative to increase access to solar energy for low- and moderate-income households, and to build a more inclusive workforce.
Building on our progress in wind and solar, the Administration secured more than $4 billion in private sector commitments and actions to scale up clean energy innovation and technologies that reduce carbon pollution.
To ensure America’s continued leadership position in clean energy, President Obama has set new goals.
2015
President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2015 Budget continues to further American leadership by investing approximately $6.9 billion in funding for clean energy technology programs. This includes investment in a range of energy technologies, from advanced biofuels and emerging nuclear technologies to clean coal. DOE made available $1 billion in additional loan guarantee authority and announced new guidelines for distributed energy projects utilizing innovative technology.
BUILDING CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
Heavy-duty vehicles (commercial trucks, vans, and buses) are currently the second largest source of greenhouse gas pollution within the transportation sector.
In April 2015, the Department of Energy released the federal government’s first Quadrennial Energy Review (QER) Report , with an focus on our nation's energy infrastructure.
In June 2015, EPA and DOT released a proposal for the next phase of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards, which will cut carbon emissions by 1 billion metric tons.
In 2011, we finalized fuel economy standards for Model Year 2014-2018 for heavy-duty trucks, buses, and vans, which reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 270 million metric tons and saving 530 million barrels of oil.
The President’s Better Buildings Challenge enlisted more than 250 partners in cities, states, utilities, manufacturers, school districts, and businesses to improve energy efficiency. Since 2011, they've saved 94 trillion units of energy and $840 million.
In President Obama’s first term, DOE and HUD completed efficiency upgrades in nearly two million homes, saving many families more than $400 on their heating and cooling bills in the first year alone.
In December 2013, the Department of Agriculture announced it will provide up to $250 million to help businesses and residential customers in rural areas cut their energy bills through energy efficiency and renewable energy use.
In 2014, DOE issued 9 proposed and 10 final energy conservation standards for appliances and equipment. If finalized and combined with current rules, the energy savings will cut consumers' electricity bills by hundreds of billions of dollars.
The Administration will continue to take a range of new steps geared toward cutting energy waste and achieving President Obama’s goal of doubling energy productivity by 2030, relative to 2010 levels.
To continue the success of the President’s Better Buildings Challenge, the Administration will continue to expand Better Buildings Accelerators to support and encourage adoption of state and local policies to cut energy waste and save consumers and families money.
2030
The Administration will build on its progress and continue to establish impactful energy conservation standards for appliances that — when combined with the progress already underway from the first term — will reduce carbon pollution by at least 3 billion metric tons by 2030, equivalent to more than a year's carbon pollution from our entire electricity system.
REDUCING OTHER GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are among the fastest-growing greenhouse gases. Methane, another potent greenhouse gas, accounted for nearly 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2012.
In 2015, the EPA issued two proposals to further reduce emissions of methane-rich gas from municipal solid waste landfills. The proposal is expected to reduce methane emissions by 487,000 tons a year beginning in 2025.
In October 2015, we announced new private-sector commitments and executive actions to reduce the use and emissions of HFCs, reducing the equivalent of more than 1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions globally through 2025.
The Administration has partnered with farmers to cut emissions and increase carbon sequestration in the agricultural and forestry sectors through voluntary and incentive-based measures.
The Administration released proposed standards for methane and volatile organic compound emissions — expected to prevent emissions equal to 7.7 to 9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2025 — improving air quality.
The United States must lead through international diplomacy and domestic actions to reduce emissions and transition to safer and more substantial options.
The EPA will also use its authority under the Clean Air Act to encourage private sector investment in low-emissions technology by identifying and approving climate-friendly chemicals while prohibiting certain uses of more harmful HFCs. The EPA will also use its authority under the Clean Air Act to encourage private sector investment in low-emissions technology by identifying and approving climate-friendly chemicals while prohibiting certain uses of more harmful HFCs.
MOVING FORWARD
When it comes to the oil and gas sector, investments to build and upgrade gas pipelines will not only put more Americans to work, but also reduce emissions and enhance economic productivity. The Obama Administration will continue to work collaboratively with state governments, as well as the private sector, to reduce emissions across multiple sectors, improve air quality, and achieve public health and economic benefits.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are among the fastest-growing greenhouse gases. Methane, another potent greenhouse gas, accounted for nearly 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2012.
In September 2015, the White House announced new private-sector commitments and executive actions to decrease HFC emissions, reducing the equivalent of more than 1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions globally through 2025.
The Administration has partnered with farmers to cut emissions and increase carbon sequestration in the agricultural and forestry sectors through voluntary and incentive-based measures.
The United States must lead through international diplomacy and domestic actions to reduce emissions and transition to safer and more substantial options.
The EPA will also use its authority under the Clean Air Act to encourage private sector investment in low-emissions technology by identifying and approving climate-friendly chemicals while prohibiting certain uses of more harmful HFCs. The EPA will also use its authority under the Clean Air Act to encourage private sector investment in low-emissions technology by identifying and approving climate-friendly chemicals while prohibiting certain uses of more harmful HFCs.
When it comes to the oil and gas sector, investments to build and upgrade gas pipelines will not only put more Americans to work, but also reduce emissions and enhance economic productivity. The Obama Administration will continue to work collaboratively with state governments, as well as the private sector, to reduce emissions across multiple sectors, improve air quality, and achieve public health and economic benefits.
FEDERAL LEADERSHIP
Since 2008, federal agencies have reduced greenhouse gas pollution by more than 17 percent — the equivalent of permanently taking 1.8 million cars off the road — and set an aggressive new goal of reducing federal emissions by 40 percent by 2025.
Expanded energy performance contracts from $2 billion to $4 billion to provide energy efficiency upgrades for Federal buildings, at no net cost to the taxpayer.
In December 2013, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the federal government to buy at least 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
President Obama believes that the federal government must be a leader in clean energy and energy efficiency.
The federal government will consume 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 — more than double the current goal of 7.5 percent.
The President committed to reduce the federal government’s direct greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent below 2008 levels by 2025.
Even as we take new steps to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, we must also prepare for the impacts of a changing climate that are already being felt across the country.
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PLAN TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
The President's Plan Will
…Science, accumulated and reviewed over decades, tells us that our planet is changing in ways that will have profound impacts on all of humankind…those who are already feeling the effects of climate change don’t have time to deny it—they’re busy dealing with it.” - President Obama, 2013 Read the Press Release
On May 6, the Administration released the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA), the most authoritative and comprehensive source of scientific information to date about climate change impacts across all U.S. regions and on critical sectors of the economy. The NCA serves as a critical resource for informing climate preparedness and response decisions across the nation.
The President's State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience — made up of 26 Governors, county executives, mayors and tribal leaders — released its recommendation.
In August 2013, the Hurricane Sandy Task Force delivered a rebuilding strategy that is serving as a model for communities across the nation.
LAUNCH AN EFFORT TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT HOSPITALS
Establish a public-private partnership on increasing resilience of the health care industry.
In December 2014, the Administration released a guide providing best practices for increasing the resilience of health care facilities.
MAINTAIN AGRICULTURE PRODUCTIVITY
Deliver tailored, science-based knowledge to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to help them understand and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
USDA established seven new “ regional climate hubs ” to help farmers and ranchers adapt their operations to a changing climate.
PROVIDE TOOLS FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Include existing and newly developed climate preparedness tools and information that state, local and private-sector leaders need to make smart decisions.
In 2014, the Administration launched the Climate Data Initiative , bringing together extensive open government data and innovation competitions to develop data-driven resilience tools for communities.
In 2014, the Administration released the Climate Resilience Toolkit to provide access to federal tools that can help planners and decision makers conduct their work in the context of a changing climate.
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PLAN WILL LEAD INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO ADDRESS GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
We are making progress with key partners on issues such as renewably energy deployment, hydroflourocarbon (HFC) emissions, vehicle emissions standards, energy efficiency, and clean energy initiatives.
The U.S. continues to spearhead the Climate and Clean Air Coalition which has expanded to more than 100 partners, including 46 countries. The Coalition is implementing ten initiatives to reduce emissions of methane, HFCs, and black carbon.
REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION
In November 2013, the U.S., Norway, and the U.K. launched a public-private partnership to support forests in developing countries to reduce emissions from deforestation and promote sustainable agriculture. The initiative has identified its first 4 priority countries and begun work.
NEGOTIATE GLOBAL FREE TRADE IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOODS AND SERVICES
In July 2014, the U.S. and 13 other WTO members, representing 86% of global trade in environmental goods, launched negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) to achieve global free trade in clean technologies.
In 2014, the President announced the U.S.'s intention to contribute $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund to cut carbon pollution and strengthen developing countries' resilience. This helped increase other countries’ contributions and propel the fund's initial capitalization over $10 billion.
The U.S. has committed to expand major new and existing international initiatives, including bilateral initiatives with China, India, and other major emitting countries.
We will lead global public sector financing toward cleaner energy by ending U.S. government financial support for new coal-fired power plants overseas, with limited exceptions.
GET THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE:
National Climate Task Force | The White House www.whitehouse.gov/climate/ — captured 2021-10-20
PRESIDENT BIDEN’S WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT EFFORT TO TACKLE THE CLIMATE CRISIS
“This is a case where conscience and convenience cross paths, where dealing with this existential threat to the planet and increasing our economic growth and prosperity are one and the same. When I think of climate change … I think of jobs.”
On Day One, President Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement, restored U.S. leadership on the world stage, and reestablished our position to tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad. Days later, he took executive actions to ensure we tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad – all while creating jobs and growing our economy. And each day since, he has taken decisive action to reduce emissions, advance environmental justice, and create good-paying, union jobs.
President Biden formed the first-ever National Climate Task Force — mobilizing every agency to prioritize acting on climate change throughout the entire federal government. From curbing emissions, strengthening resilience, protecting public health, advancing equity, conserving lands and waters, and spurring economic growth, combatting climate change is central to every mission across the United States government.
The President also convened the first-ever Leaders Summit on Climate, a historic gathering of more than 40 world leaders that affirmed the need for unprecedented global cooperation and ambition. The President also organized a leader-level convening of the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate and pledged to quadruple our international climate finance . On the road to COP26 in Glasgow and beyond, President Biden will continue rallying the rest of the world to step up, underscoring how strong domestic action goes hand-in-hand with international leadership.
The 2020s is a decisive decade for the world to confront climate change and avoid the worst and irreversible impacts of the crisis by keeping the goal of 1.5 degree Celsius limit on global average temperature rise within reach. And the countries who take urgent and decisive action will reap the economic and jobs benefits of the clean energy future.
President Biden knows this, which is why has taken clear action to create a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future, building on past U.S. leadership of states, Tribes, and Territories, and local governments. And with his Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and Build Back Better Agenda , his efforts would be supercharged with the transformational investments that unlock the full economic and climate potential of his agenda.
- Set a target of 50% electric vehicle sales shares in 2030, and aligned ambition among automakers and the United Autoworkers (UAW)
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) are advancing smart fuel efficiency and emissions standards that can reduce around two billion metric tons of carbon pollution
- Accelerated the deployment of electric vehicles and chargers and move the U.S. federal fleet to zero-emission vehicles, the largest civilian vehicle fleet in the world
- Coordinated leadership and innovation across the federal government, aircraft manufactures, airlines, fuel producers, and more to produce three billion gallons of sustainable fuel and reduce aviation emissions by 20% in 2030
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing funding through the Electric Loan Program to build or improve rural electric infrastructure in 11 states, including expansion of smart grid technologies ; and through the Rural Energy for America Program to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided critical funding for electric power system enhancements in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
INDUSTRY SECTOR
- Mobilizing the entire U.S. government to take historic actions that phase down super-polluting hydrofluorocarbons — one of the most impactful federal efforts to reduce climate pollution in decades while strengthening domestic manufacturing
President Biden has made historic commitments to use every lever at his disposal to advance environmental justice, create good-paying, union jobs, and spur economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities, particularly those like communities of color and low-income communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment in housing, transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, and health care.
MORE ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND WORKERS
- Created the first-ever White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council to confront longstanding environmental injustices and ensure historically marginalized, polluted, and overburdened communities have greater input on federal policies and decisions.
- Launched the Justice40 Initiative to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy flow to disadvantaged communities.
One in three Americans have grappled with extreme weather events in the last year alone. As extreme weather events increase in frequency and ferocity, the U.S. is taking bold steps to strengthen the nation’s resilience to severe impacts climate change has on our communities, infrastructure, economies, and more.
- Developed more than 20 federal agencies plans that will ensure facilities and operations become more resilient and adapt to climate change impacts
While the U.S. has committed itself to addressing the climate crisis, countries across the globe must also step up given that more than 85% of emissions come from beyond our borders. President Biden and his team are rallying global peers to take the decisive action needed in this decade to tackle the climate crisis.
MORE ON INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
- On Earth Day, President Biden convened 40 world leaders for a historic Leaders Summit on Climate to galvanize efforts from major economies to tackle the climate crisis and underscore the urgency and economic benefits of decisive action – growing the coalition to include strong NDCs from Canada and Japan
- Announced the Build Back Better World (B3W) infrastructure initiative at the G7 to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars between G7 members and the private sector in sustainable, infrastructure investment for low- and middle-income countries and achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement
- Brought about the Global Methane Pledge with the European Union, aligned with our domestic methane strategy, an initiative to reduce one of the most potent greenhouse gases
- Doubled the U.S. pledge to international climate finance last month at the UN General Assembly to help achieve the collective $100 billion global pledge to support developing countries
- President Biden and fellow G7 Leaders agreed to a set of concrete actions to move away from unabated coal and, for the first time in history, all G7 Leaders aligned their long-term and short-term climate goals consistent with keeping the 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming threshold within reach
- Quadrupled the U.S. international climate finance pledge at the UN General Assembly to help achieve the collective $100 billion global pledge to support developing countries
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate/?utm_source=link
National Climate Task Force | The White House www.whitehouse.gov/climate-/ — captured 2022-01-23
PRESIDENT BIDEN’S WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT EFFORT TO TACKLE THE CLIMATE CRISIS
“This is a case where conscience and convenience cross paths, where dealing with this existential threat to the planet and increasing our economic growth and prosperity are one and the same. When I think of climate change … I think of jobs.”
On Day One, President Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement, restored U.S. leadership on the world stage, and reestablished our position to tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad. Days later, he took executive actions to ensure we tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad – all while creating jobs and growing our economy. And each day since, he has taken decisive action to reduce emissions, advance environmental justice, and create good-paying, union jobs.
President Biden formed the first-ever National Climate Task Force — mobilizing every agency to prioritize acting on climate change throughout the entire federal government. From curbing emissions, strengthening resilience, protecting public health, advancing equity, conserving lands and waters, and spurring economic growth, combatting climate change is central to every mission across the United States government.
The President also convened the first-ever Leaders Summit on Climate, a historic gathering of more than 40 world leaders that affirmed the need for unprecedented global cooperation and ambition. The President also organized a leader-level convening of the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate and pledged to quadruple our international climate finance . On the road to COP26 in Glasgow and beyond, President Biden will continue rallying the rest of the world to step up, underscoring how strong domestic action goes hand-in-hand with international leadership.
The 2020s is a decisive decade for the world to confront climate change and avoid the worst and irreversible impacts of the crisis by keeping the goal of 1.5 degree Celsius limit on global average temperature rise within reach. And the countries who take urgent and decisive action will reap the economic and jobs benefits of the clean energy future.
President Biden knows this, which is why he has taken clear action to create a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future, building on past U.S. leadership of states, Tribes, and Territories, and local governments. And with his Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and Build Back Better Agenda , his efforts would be supercharged with the transformational investments that unlock the full economic and climate potential of his agenda.
- Set a target of 50% electric vehicle sales share in 2030, and aligned ambition among automakers and the United Autoworkers (UAW)
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) are advancing smart fuel efficiency and emissions standards that can reduce around two billion metric tons of carbon pollution
- Accelerated the deployment of electric vehicles and chargers and moved the U.S. federal fleet to zero-emission vehicles, the largest civilian vehicle fleet in the world
- Coordinated leadership and innovation across the federal government, aircraft manufacturers, airlines, fuel producers, and more to produce three billion gallons of sustainable fuel and reduce aviation emissions by 20% in 2030
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing funding through the Electric Loan Program to build or improve rural electric infrastructure in 11 states, including expansion of smart grid technologies ; and through the Rural Energy for America Program to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided critical funding for electric power system enhancements in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
INDUSTRY SECTOR
- Mobilizing the entire federal government to take historic actions that phase down super-polluting hydrofluorocarbons — one of the most impactful federal efforts to reduce climate pollution in decades while strengthening domestic manufacturing
President Biden has made historic commitments to use every lever at his disposal to advance environmental justice, create good-paying, union jobs, and spur economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities, particularly those like communities of color and low-income communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment in housing, transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, and health care.
MORE ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND WORKERS
- Created the first-ever White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council to confront longstanding environmental injustices and ensure historically marginalized, polluted, and overburdened communities have greater input on federal policies and decisions.
- Launched the Justice40 Initiative to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities.
One in three Americans have grappled with extreme weather events in the last year alone. As extreme weather events increase in frequency and ferocity, the U.S. is taking bold steps to strengthen the nation’s resilience to severe impacts climate change has on our communities, infrastructure, economies, and more.
- Developed more than 20 federal agency plans that will ensure facilities and operations become more resilient and adapt to climate change impacts
While the U.S. has committed itself to addressing the climate crisis, countries across the globe must also step up given that more than 85% of emissions come from beyond our borders. President Biden and his team are rallying global peers to take the decisive action needed in this decade to tackle the climate crisis.
MORE ON INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
- On Earth Day, President Biden convened 40 world leaders for a historic Leaders Summit on Climate to galvanize efforts from major economies to tackle the climate crisis and underscore the urgency and economic benefits of decisive action – growing the coalition to include strong NDCs from Canada and Japan
- Announced the Build Back Better World (B3W) infrastructure initiative at the G7 to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars between G7 members and the private sector in sustainable, infrastructure investment for low- and middle-income countries and achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement
- Brought about the Global Methane Pledge with the European Union, aligned with our domestic methane strategy, an initiative to reduce one of the most potent greenhouse gases
- President Biden and fellow G7 Leaders agreed to a set of concrete actions to move away from unabated coal and, for the first time in history, all G7 Leaders aligned their long-term and short-term climate goals consistent with keeping the 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming threshold within reach
- Released the first-ever U.S. International Climate Finance Plan, including a pledge to double U.S. international climate finance
- Further doubled the U.S. international climate finance pledge at the UN General Assembly to help achieve the collective $100 billion climate finance mobilization goal to support developing countries
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate-/?utm_source=link
====================================================================== American Climate Corps | The White House www.whitehouse.gov/climatecorps/?_gl=1*561u1i*_gcl_au*NjY2MjE3MDk0LjE3MDM2MTQ3NTE.*_ga*NTA4NTkwMjA4LjE3MDM2MTQ3NTE.*_ga_N6Y255Y5X2*MTcwNDQ3OTU5NC4xMy4xLjE3MDQ0Nzk2ODQuNjAuMC4w — captured 2024-01-08 ======================================================================
President Biden is announcing a new initiative to train young people in high-demand skills for jobs in the clean energy economy. The American Climate Corps will put a new generation of Americans to work conserving our lands and waters, bolstering community resilience, advancing environmental justice, deploying clean energy, implementing energy efficient technologies, and tackling climate change. American Climate Corps members will gain the skills necessary to access good-paying jobs that are aligned with high-quality employment opportunities after they complete their paid training or service program.
THE BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL LISTENING SESSIONS
As we gear up for a successful launch of the American Climate Corps, we want to hear directly from you! That’s why we’re hosting virtual listening sessions – to hear your ideas on how to shape this historic initiative. Each listening session will feature a special guest and climate champion like Senator Ed Markey, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith, and more.
SIGN UP FOR A LISTENING SESSION:
Given the level of anticipated interest, we ask participants to please limit keep comments to under 3 minutes. If you are unable to join us or have more to share, send your thoughts and ideas to: ACC@americorps.gov by January 31, 2024.
SIGN UP TO LEARN ABOUT HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE AMERICAN CLIMATE CORPS.
Thank you for your interest in the American Climate Corps! We will be in touch with more information as soon as it’s available.
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DISCLAIMER: Your information may be shared with additional federal agencies, for the purpose of sharing information about relevant programs and service opportunities.
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- https://www.whitehouse.gov/climatecorps/?utm_source=link
American Climate Corps | The White House www.whitehouse.gov/climatecorps/ — captured 2023-09-20
President Biden is announcing a new initiative to train young people in high-demand skills for jobs in the clean energy economy. The American Climate Corps will put a new generation of Americans to work conserving our lands and waters, bolstering community resilience, advancing environmental justice, deploying clean energy, implementing energy efficient technologies, and tackling climate change. American Climate Corps members will gain the skills necessary to access good-paying jobs that are aligned with high-quality employment opportunities after they complete their paid training or service program.
SIGN UP TO LEARN ABOUT HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE AMERICAN CLIMATE CORPS.
Thank you for your interest in the American Climate Corps! We will be in touch with more information as soon as it’s available.
There was an error processing your submission.
DISCLAIMER: Your information may be shared with additional federal agencies, for the purpose of sharing information about relevant programs and service opportunities.
STAY CONNECTED
Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden.
- Share this page on Facebook
- Share this page on Twitter
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/climatecorps/?utm_source=link
President Obama's Plan to Fight Climate Change | The White House www.whitehouse.gov/climate-change-mobile — captured 2016-05-28
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PLAN TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE
CLIMATE CHANGE
AND PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ACTION PLAN
MODERNIZING OUR POWER PLANTS
Watch President Obama explain why we need to cut carbon pollution from power plants
On June 2, the EPA released a proposal that will set the first-ever national carbon pollution standards limits for America’s existing power plants.
Find out how the rules will make our communities healthier , and learn more about the President’s plan to cut carbon pollution in America .
THE NATIONAL CLIMATE ASSESSMENT
On May 6, the Administration released the Third U.S. National Climate Assessment, the most authoritative and comprehensive source of scientific information to date about climate-change impacts across all U.S. regions and on critical sectors of the economy.
Below, learn more about the effects of climate change and President Obama’s plan to combat and prepare for it .
- The Latest
- Impacts
- Carbon Pollution
- Cutting Carbon Pollution
- Preparing for the Impacts
- Lead International Efforts
THE WEATHER IS GETTING MORE EXTREME
TEMPERATURES ARE RISING ACROSS THE U.S.
Temperatures from 2001 to 2012 were warmer than any previous decade in every region of the United States. Explore this interactive map from the National Climate Assessment to learn more.
2012 WAS THE SECOND MOST EXTREME YEAR ON RECORD FOR THE NATION
Above Average
Doesn’t include Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories.
Also in 2012:
WARMEST YEAR ON RECORD FOR THE U.S.
356 RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES TIED OR BROKEN
In the United States.
Source: NOAA, State of the Climate Report
ONE-THIRD OF THE U.S. POPULATION EXPERIENCED 100° TEMPERATURES for ten or more days.
DROUGHTS, WILDFIRES, AND FLOODS ARE ALL MORE FREQUENT AND INTENSE
Continue reading — 254 more paragraphs
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