How’s Biden Doing on the Climate Crisis?

President Biden ran on bold commitments to combat the climate crisis. Now, as we face climate disasters across the country, we’re holding him and his administration accountable for keeping those promises. Earthjustice’s attorneys and policy experts rated Biden’s progress on goals that the U.S. must achieve — and soon — if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The verdict: Though there are reasons to celebrate, the president still has much work to do in his first term.
Check out the scorecard below to see the policy areas where Biden is already moving us toward a just and sustainable future — and the ones where his administration needs a push.
Climate Goal | Rating |
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Restore U.S. climate leadership | Major progress |
Rejoin the Paris Agreement |
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Set ambitious climate and environmental justice goals |
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Appoint climate leaders to the cabinet |
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Keep fossil fuels in the ground | Little / No progress |
End new coal, oil, and gas leasing on federal land |
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Stop new fossil fuel infrastructure, exports, and pipelines like Dakota Access and Line 3 |
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Protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling |
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Move towards zero-emissions and 100% clean energy | Some progress |
Set ambitious goals for clean electricity and transportation |
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Invest big in clean energy and electric vehicles |
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Restore energy efficiency standards |
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Advance just and equitable climate solutions | Some progress |
Create an environmental justice advisory council |
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Invest in the communities most impacted by pollution |
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Defend Tribal rights and improve consultation |
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Change the way we use land to be a part of the solution | Some progress |
Protect forests that absorb climate pollution |
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Invest in climate-friendly agriculture resources for farmers |
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Ensure bioenergy initiatives provide real climate benefits |
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Strengthen health and environmental protections | Some progress |
Clean up coal ash |
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Restore and strengthen methane pollution standards |
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President Biden proposed a sweeping plan to rebuild our country’s infrastructure in a way that advances climate and environmental justice. Now Congress has a historic opportunity to make the transformative investments we need. Tell your member of Congress it’s time to invest in a pollution-free, 100% clean energy economy.