Environmental Justice
On day one, Biden promised to prioritize environmental justice in a mega executive order on climate. The administration has spent its first year in office bringing people who have worked for decades on environmental rights for communities of color to figure out how to get its priorities right. It also released a massive initiative to kickstart federal programs intended to deliver on environmental justice. The administration’s actions like restoring methane regulations also have tangible benefits for communities of color in the path of pollution.
It hasn’t been perfect, though. Shortly after the election, Biden tapped Rep. Cederic Richmond to be a liaison with climate activists despite Richmond taking $340,000 from fossil fuel interests. The administration has ignored the demands of Native activists around pipelines. Activists have also pressured Biden on fossil fuel financing and rules after finding the government response lacking. A monster plastic plant in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley could still go through despite Black activists wanting its permits rescinded. (The pressure appears to have at least slowed the process down.) There’s definitely some good stuff here, but still room for improvement in 2022.
Grade: B-
