On his first day in office, President Joe Biden signed an executive order directing federal agencies to “advance environmental justice”, “reduce greenhouse gas emissions”, and “bolster resilience to the impacts of climate change.” The move was meant to address what Biden refers to as ‘the climate crisis.’
The order pushed Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry to lead nine other states in a lawsuit against the Biden administration. The Attorney Generals of Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Texas, Mississippi, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the Governor of South Dakota have all gotten behind the 10-state lawsuit.
“Louisiana produces crucial natural and manmade resources for our nation and enjoys a rich, storied way of life. From timber and food stocks to oil and natural gas, chemical and industrial products to recreational sportsmanship and outdoor activities, nearly every aspect of our economy and culture is at risk under this unconscionable policy,” Landry said in a statement.
Furthermore, Biden’s executive order directs federal agencies to estimate the amount of emissions released by several greenhouse gases. Referred to as ‘SC-GHG Estimates’, the estimates would be used to calculate regulatory costs.
However, the gases are extremely prevalent in almost every home in the country and are given off by appliances such as dishwashers and vending machines.
The Attorney Generals are warning that the SC-GHG estimates will be used to “assign massive, even existential costs to every regulatory action and ‘other relevant action,’ thereby fundamentally transforming the way States conduct business and Americans live. It’s no exaggeration to say the SC-GHG Estimates are the most expansive, and potentially most expensive, federal regulatory initiative in history.”
Meanwhile, Representatives Chip Roy and Lauren Boebert have launched an effort to introduce legislation that would reverse Biden’s original climate executive order.
“It’s time that Congress put a stop to his unilateral economic destruction and put the American people first. After all House Republicans have signed on to this effort, I look forward to seeing how many of my Democratic colleagues are willing to protect American jobs and energy security,” Rep. Roy said in a statement.
