Trumpian Excess Carbon Emissions

Canary Media: “Chart: Trump’s win could lead to far more planet-warming emissions.” Analysis conducted by Carbon Brief earlier this year suggests ‘a Trump administration could cause the U.S. to emit an additional 4 billion metric tons [gigatons or Gt] of planet-warming carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by 2030, crushing hopes that the nation — and the world — can meet near-term climate commitments.’ An assumption built into this analysis is that Biden’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act would get completely repealed, though it has been sparking a clean energy manufacturing buildout + accelerating adoption of EVs + renewables. Even this law was insufficient to reduce emissions fast enough to avoid the worst effects of climate change. As of this morning, key House races are still undecided, but even if the Republicans retain a majority in that chamber, “efforts to repeal the IRA may meet intraparty opposition: A number of Republican lawmakers have publicly voiced support for the law, which has largely funneled money to GOP-leaning states and districts.” The Carbon Brief analysis ‘also assumes Trump will undo Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency rules that aim to slash emissions from vehicles, power plants, and oil and gas production.’ This is more certain since such action does not require approval from Congress. And the recommendations of the Project 2025 policy roadmap—about 85% written by Trump associates—aims to gut key clean energy programs located in the Department of Energy. However this plays out, don’t lose your sense of humor.