Climate Progress Amidst Federal Opposition: Gina McCarthy on EPA and Clean Energy

Federal Opposition to Climate Action

• ⚠️ The current administration is characterized by a desire to benefit fossil fuels at the expense of low-cost clean energy.
• 📉 Actions taken are seen as dismantling the EPA and removing environmental justice researchers and scientists.
• 🌍 Rollbacks of environmental rule-makings threaten lives, livelihoods, and international alliances.

The Role and Mission of the EPA

• 🎯 The EPA's core mission is to protect public health and the environment.
• 💧 For decades, the agency has focused on ensuring clean water and air, and addressing global challenges like the ozone layer and hydrofluorocarbons.
• 🤝 The EPA works internationally with communities and countries to address global environmental challenges and protect community health.

Market Trends Favoring Clean Energy

• ⚡ Clean energy is identified as the decided winner in the marketplace, despite federal efforts to the contrary.
• 💰 Venture capitalists are investing in new technologies, indicating a strong belief in the future of clean energy.
• 📉 The administration's efforts to revive coal, a dying industry, are seen as unrealistic and not supported by market realities.

State and Local Leadership in Climate Action

• 💡 When the federal government falters, states and local communities can step up to drive climate action.
• 🤝 Initiatives like the America is Allin coalition work with businesses, universities, and local leaders to advance climate solutions.
• 📈 Investment in clean energy continues to be the primary focus for businesses and international markets, not coal.