Climate change has shortened the number of cold snaps in Raleigh and Durham, according to meteorological data. President Biden is prioritizing climate change with a National Climate Task Force. (Graphic: Climate Central)
WASHINGTON President Joe Biden plans to sign a host of executive orders on climate Wednesday that will put a hold on new oil and gas leases on federal property, place environmental justice in the center of climate reform and set goals of conserving nearly a third of the nation’s land and water.
On the leases, likely to be among the most contentious climate actions by the new administration, the secretary of Interior would be directed to pause all new oil and natural gas leases on public lands and offshore waters and initiate a review of all leases and permits related to fossil fuel.