Signs of Change: Second in a Series
Sol Garcia | THE RIDER
Since his first days in office, President Joe Biden has begun issuing executive orders and memorandums regarding COVID-19, health care, the environment, immigration and more.
The following are related to Biden’s actions addressing the recent winter storms in Texas and the environment, according to the White House’s official website.
Winter Storms in Texas
Biden declared a major disaster in Texas due to the recent inclement weather. He has ordered federal agencies to provide assistance for required emergency measures to over 70 counties, such as assisting with temporary housing or home repair grants and providing resources “necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.” Individuals from Cameron and Hidalgo counties are eligible for federal assistance. If necessary, additional accommodations may be made later on.
Environment
In his first week as president, Biden signed an executive order to rejoin the Paris Agreement, an international treaty dedicated to fighting climate change. On Feb.19, the U.S. officially rejoined the agreement.
Some of Biden’s other actions regarding climate change and the environment include:
–creating a new president-appointed position to focus on climate change-related issues
–revoking the permit that allowed facilities to construct and operate at the Keystone XL pipeline
–ordering a temporary moratorium that will prevent oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Refuge
–ordering federal agencies to achieve a carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 and operate zero-emission vehicles, which includes the U.S. Postal Service.
Christopher Gabler, an assistant professor at UTRGV’s School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences with a joint appointment in the Department of Biology, said Biden’s actions against climate change are an important first step, but more action is necessary.
“I’m very excited to see that Joe–the Biden administration, is taking this seriously and moving as much as he has to help address climate change,” Gabler said. “I will also say that it’s still not enough.”
Gabler, who is also the program coordinator for UTRGV’s Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, said climate change is presently having a direct impact and everyone is affected and susceptible to it, especially the Rio Grande Valley.
“Cameron County, South Padre Island, Port Isabel, we’re coastal,” he said. “And the coast is hugely affected by climate change because of sea level rise and all the effects of storms and things.”
Since it relies heavily on agriculture and its ecotourism, the Valley is left more vulnerable, Gabler said.
The assistant professor hopes Biden continues addressing climate change and that the government considers implementing a carbon tax that will lead to businesses decreasing their carbon emissions.
