The U.S. & Climate Change

On this side of the Atlantic, the latest news is that John Podesta—presently overseeing the implementation of President Biden’s signature climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—will also serve as the White House’s new U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

The IRA devotes billions of dollars to accelerating the U.S. transition to wind, solar, and other sources of clean energy. Podesta is a veteran on climate issues. He played a critical role in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement as counselor to President Obama and helped steer President Clinton’s environmental policies when he served as White House Chief of Staff.

President Biden’s Chief of Staff Jeff Zients said that the Biden Administration “need[s] to keep meeting the gravity of this moment, and there is no one better than John Podesta to make sure we do.” Zients added that Podesta will continue to be “at the helm of driving the implementation of the most significant climate law in history. Having served the three most recent Democratic Presidents over three decades, he is an American statesman, a fierce champion for bold climate action, and a leader who without a doubt the world will know has the trust of and speaks for the President of the United States.”

President Biden must finish implementing strong environmental regulations before the end of his term and Podesta is overseeing that process. Unlike his predecessor former Secretary Kerry, as special climate envoy Podesta will have his watchful eye over both the domestic as well as and the international climate change agenda for the United States.

No one doubts Podesta’s ability to accomplish both, and he has President Biden’s ear as well. Congratulations John!