Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also published updated state-level GHG emissions data to help states track climate trends and identify opportunities to reduce GHG emissions. 6 The JOET recently launched to organize the resources offered to states and stakeholders to support EV charging deployment, zero-emission fueling infrastructure, and zero-emission transit and school buses. Departments of Energy (DOE) and Transportation (DOT) recently announced the formation of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (JOET) to support building out a national EV charging network by providing technical assistance to states. With an influx of funds from the federal government to states, the Biden administration continues to execute a whole-of-government approach and engage with subnational governments. The Biden administration has several mechanisms already in place or under consideration to support state, local, and tribal government actions on climate. States are well positioned to lead in this effort, and it is critical that the federal government seize the moment presented by the IIJA to offer coordinated interagency support to subnational governments in implementing their climate efforts. It is critical that the federal government seize the moment presented by the IIJA to offer coordinated interagency support to subnational governments in implementing their climate efforts. emissions anywhere from 45 percent to 51 percent of 2005 levels by 2030, 5 the bipartisan infrastructure law offers substantial potential for climate-focused investments in states. While implementing President Joe Biden’s complete climate agenda would take critical steps to reduce U.S. In this critical moment for climate and clean energy implementation, federal officials should engage with states to maximize opportunities for efficient and effective federal funding deployment. However, passing the Biden administration’s proposed tax credits-such as those for clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs)-remains critical 3 to cutting economywide emissions and meeting the administration’s climate commitments. 2As state, local, and tribal governments prepare to implement clean energy and climate resilience projects, the federal government must consider how these investments can unlock continued and even greater climate leadership-and be leveraged to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible. For example, if funds are deployed primarily on highway expansion, increased emissions are a predictable result. Despite large investments in climate opportunities, the IIJA nonetheless has the potential to increase GHG emissions if it is not implemented with a focus on climate-friendly programs. Under the IIJA, action on climate change is possible, but it will require states to swiftly and holistically apply for and then deploy federal funds with the goal of maximizing reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Simply put, the federal government cannot implement this monumental task alone. Doing so will require action from across the country, from all sectors of the economy, and from every community.
With the passage of the more than $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)-also known as the bipartisan infrastructure law-the opportunity exists for states and a committed federal government to work together to confront the climate crisis with the urgency and ambition needed. State, local, and tribal governments have taken important strides to deploy renewable energy, conserve public lands, prioritize environmental justice, and support high-quality clean energy jobs. 1 Even before the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, subnational governments stepped up to be the face of U.S.
States, local governments, and tribal nations have long been leaders in taking meaningful action to confront the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and embed high-paying union jobs in the transition to a clean energy economy.
0 kommentar(er)
