Climate Crisis Order (E.O. 14008)

Summary

Makes fighting climate change a top goal for the U.S. government, both in America and around the world, to create jobs and protect the planet.

What problem does this solve?

The world faces a severe climate crisis with little time left to prevent the worst outcomes. This order directs the entire federal government to work together on reducing pollution, building resilience to climate change, and leading international efforts.

What does this order do?

Pauses new oil and natural gas leases on public lands

Stops new oil and gas leasing on public lands and offshore waters until a full review of federal leasing practices is completed.

Establishes the Justice40 Initiative

Sets a goal that 40 percent of the benefits from federal investments in clean energy, clean water, and sustainable housing go to disadvantaged communities.

Creates a goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030

Directs federal agencies to develop a plan to conserve at least 30 percent of the nation's lands and waters by the year 2030.

Establishes the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy

Creates a new office in the White House to coordinate all domestic climate-policy issues and monitor the president's climate agenda.

Creates the Civilian Climate Corps

Starts an initiative to hire a new generation of Americans for jobs in conserving public lands and waters, increasing reforestation, and addressing climate change.

Makes climate change central to foreign policy and national security

Requires that climate considerations become an essential part of United States foreign policy and national security planning.

Aims to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies

Directs federal agencies to identify and remove subsidies for fossil fuels from their budget requests for Fiscal Year 2022 and beyond.

Directs federal government to buy clean energy and zero-emission vehicles

Requires a plan for the federal government to use its purchasing power to move toward a carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 and use clean vehicles.

Establishes a National Climate Task Force

Creates a task force of leaders from across the federal government to lead a unified approach to combating the climate crisis.

Who does this affect?

Energy sector workers
Disadvantaged and low-income communities
Federal agencies and contractors

What is the real world impact?

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Stimulates the clean energy economy

Uses government purchasing power and policy to create jobs and boost American industries in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable infrastructure.

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Reasserts U.S. global leadership

Positions the United States as a leader in international climate negotiations and efforts, aiming to increase global ambition after a period of withdrawal from such commitments.

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Promotes environmental justice

Directs federal resources and attention to disadvantaged communities that have been historically overburdened by pollution and underinvestment.

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Shifts away from the fossil fuel industry

Directs the government to pause new oil and gas leases on public lands and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, which could negatively impact traditional energy sectors and communities dependent on them.

When does this start?

This order became effective on January 27, 2021, and sets multiple deadlines for federal agencies to complete specific actions.

Report on Revitalizing Energy Communities

Within 60 days (by March 28, 2021), an interagency group must report on how to support the economies of coal, oil and gas, and power plant communities.

Climate Finance Plan

Within 90 days (by April 27, 2021), the Secretaries of State and Treasury must submit a plan to help developing countries with climate-friendly investments.

Civilian Climate Corps Strategy

Within 90 days (by April 27, 2021), the Secretary of the Interior must submit a strategy for creating a Civilian Climate Corps.

Land and Water Conservation Report

Within 90 days (by April 27, 2021), a report is due on steps to conserve at least 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

National Intelligence Estimate on Climate Change

Within 120 days (by May 27, 2021), the Director of National Intelligence must prepare an estimate on the security impacts of climate change.

Agency Climate Action Plans

Within 120 days (by May 27, 2021), each federal agency must submit a draft action plan to increase its resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Justice40 Initiative Recommendations

Within 120 days (by May 27, 2021), recommendations must be published on how to direct 40 percent of federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities.