Biden, Harris Inauguration Day:
What’s Expected for Conservation Policy
By Sandra Meola, Director, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed; and Kip Le Warn, Engagement Coordinator, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
We were outraged that the promise of a fresh new year was tainted so quickly by the violent and shameful attacks in Washington. And yes, the attack was fueled by white supremacy and racism and incited by President Trump. Following the attack the Coalition’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Workgroup met and provided space for members to express their feelings from the day prior. This space to acknowledge the pain and frustration from the attack was vital for validating the emotions that workgroup members were holding with them during the work day.
We must be fully committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice and acknowledge and condemn injustices, especially if we want democracy to prevail - and on January 20, it did.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black, South Asian, and first woman Vice President, were safely sworn in on January 20, 2021. The Biden Administration’s Cabinet is the most diverse in history, one that looks like America. Pertinent to the Coalition’s work is Debra Haaland, the first Native American cabinet secretary, who now heads the Department of Interior. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is housed within the Department of Interior, which manages and facilitates the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program (DRBRP). Advocating for robust federal funding for Delaware River Watershed conservation projects has been a cornerstone priority of the Coalition's since 2012.
We anticipate continued bipartisan support for the Coalition's priorities under the Biden-Harris administration, along with a welcome reversal of Trump-era clean water downgrades.
On Day 1, President Biden…
Returned the U.S. to the Paris Climate Accord, rejoining the international effort to fight climate change. The Paris Climate Accord requires countries to set voluntary targets for reducing greenhouse gases.
Ordered "all" departments and agencies to "take appropriate action" against all Trump-era rules and policies that Biden officials deem harmful to public health or the environment.
Directed agencies to review and revise policies that are counter to his commitment to environmental justice.
What Else to Expect…
Review and reversal of more than 100 Trump administration environmental policies including:
Reversal of Trump’s weakened National Environmental Policy Act, which requires an approval process for public infrastructure projects. The completed weakening shortened the time frame for completing environmental studies, limits public participation and the types of projects subject to review.
Reversal of rolled back provisions in the Endangered Species Act and protections for migratory birds.
Reversal of scaled back pollution protections for certain tributaries and wetlands regulated under the Clean Water Act and reversal of a portion of the Clean Water Act that makes it easier for federal agencies to issue permits for federal projects over state objections concerning water quality.
Enactment of an executive order to conserve 30% of America's lands and waters by 2030. The 30 by 30 initiative is a global effort to slow extinction rates and protect biodiversity.
Advocating to pass the "Equality Act," a bill to add more protections for LGBTQ+ Americans.
Better days and progress for conservation and equity are ahead, but there is still a significant amount of work to be done. To access the Coalition’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice resources, click here.
Coalition member organizations can email kip.lewarn@njaudubon.org to join the Coalition’s DEIJ Workgroup, and email sandra.meola@njaudubon.org to join the Coalition’s Federal Policy Workgroup.