Critics, including Marc Morano, the executive editor of climate Depot, have raised concerns over President Joe Biden’s environmental agenda, citing a lack of democratic participation from the American populace in decision-making processes.
In an interview reported by The Daily Caller on Tuesday, Morano emphasized the absence of democratic procedures in pivotal choices, such as the shift away from fossil fuels. He criticized the decision-making process, stating, “We never had a vote. It’s all been decided with executive orders, mid-level bureaucrats, corporate-government collusion, executive agencies.â€
Morano highlighted significant policy changes, like the move to phase out gas-powered cars and impose restrictions on meat consumption, which were made without public input.
The Biden administration’s commitment, announced during the United Nations COP28 climate summit in December 2023, to transition away from fossil fuels faced Morano’s critique. He argued that irrespective of one’s stance on these measures, democratic involvement—through voting and establishing clear timelines—should be integral.
Furthermore, Morano addressed the Inflation Reduction Act signed by Biden in August 2022, allocating $370 billion to combat climate change and integrating green energy provisions. Despite efforts like a $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles, Morano highlighted the challenge faced by electric vehicle sales in the market.
A recent October BlueAnalytics poll showed that only 10% of Americans exhibited interest in purchasing electric vehicles, with 40% admitting a lack of awareness about associated tax credits.
Among Biden’s actions were canceling oil leases in Alaska from the late Trump administration and proposing regulations to curtail fossil fuel energy production, eliciting criticism from economic and energy experts. They accused Biden of negatively impacting domestic fossil fuel production, leading to increased energy prices.
Morano drew parallels with adverse outcomes of similar “green†policies in countries like Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, where migration patterns were affected. He cautioned that climate policy, rather than climate change itself, might drive migration, likening it to the effects of COVID-19 on population movement. He cited instances where such policies led to government collapses and threatened small family-run farms.
Accusing climate activists, including former Vice President Al Gore, of leveraging fear tactics to restrict energy, agriculture, and transportation, Morano raised concerns about potential limitations on citizens’ freedom of movement.
While Morano’s critique highlights concerns regarding the broader implications of climate policies on multiple sectors and individual freedoms, the Biden administration remains steadfast in pursuing its green agenda to address climate change.
The critique underscores the divergence between policy decisions and public sentiment, prompting discussions about the efficacy and legitimacy of unilateral approaches to intricate issues.
Morano’s criticisms underscore the significance of democratic processes, public involvement, and comprehensive deliberation of far-reaching consequences while implementing substantial policy changes.
Amidst the nation’s efforts to grapple with climate change, the balancing act between environmental sustainability and democratic principles assumes paramount importance.
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