Happy Earth Day,
Earth Day is a little different this year, at least on the national stage.
A year ago, the event was marked by President Trump and Vice President Pence planting a tree. Remarks centered on coronavirus, reopening national parks and the U.S. having the cleanest air on earth.
At the time, Trump was exiting the Paris Accords on climate and was known for his quirky views on things like wind turbines, light bulbs and toilets.
Environmental Protection Agency chiefs were put in place who shared his views and sued California over vehicle emissions standards that currently match those of Delaware. Automakers, who wanted a 50-state solution, were forced to choose sides.
Offshore wind power ended up in regulatory limbo with the same bureaucratic delays that the administration had vowed to streamline.
This year, President and former Delaware U.S. Sen. Joe Biden will attempt to get the U.S. back into the mainstream..
The administration has also rolled out a $2 trillion infrastructure plan with a climate component. (Many of us would have preferred a bill tailored to that issue).
Moving forward won’t be easy. Climate change skeptics abound here and elsewhere
One encouraging piece of news came today when the Growing Climate Solutions Act made its way out of a Senate committee.
The bill would aid farmers and foresters in becoming part of the carbon credit market that offers financial incentives for eco-friendly practices.
The legislation is a product of a bipartisan caucus that looks for climate solutions.
Business is also moving forward in acknowledging that changes are needed in moving from a fossil-fuel economy.
A growing number of solar panels and onshore wind turbines are being erected as costs drop, and more electric vehicles appear in our driveways. In other words, green has gone mainstream.
Enjoy the rest of your day. Now we’re back to sunshine, an icy wind after a few snowflakes fell. – Doug Rainey, chief content officer
