‘You Cannot In Fact Do Both’: Biden Slammed for Bragging About Oil Production

Activists argue that this dual approach is contradictory and ineffective.
September 3, 2024
(Photo: Sunrise Movement)

From Common Dreams

Summary

Climate campaigners have criticized President Biden and Vice President Harris for claiming the U.S. can increase fossil fuel production while transitioning to clean energy. Activists argue that this dual approach is contradictory and ineffective. Despite promises for climate action, Biden’s administration has approved more drilling permits than Trump did, raising concerns about the sincerity of their climate commitments.

Highlights -🌍

  1. Biden’s Claims: Biden asserts U.S. can “do both” fossil fuel production and clean energy transition.
  2. Climate Activist Response: Groups like Climate Defiance refute this claim, highlighting its contradictions.
  3. Increased Drilling Permits: Biden’s administration has approved more drilling permits than Trump.
  4. Public Reaction: Climate scientists and youth movements express outrage over the administration’s stance.
  5. Mixed Messages: Harris echoes Biden’s sentiment, reinforcing the narrative that it’s possible to expand both sectors.
  6. Environmental Impact: Concerns grow over the environmental repercussions of increased fossil fuel activities.
  7. Call to Action: Activists demand real commitment to stopping fossil fuel expansion.

Climate campaigners this week rebuked recent claims by U.S. President Joe Biden—and Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee—that the United States can simultaneously increase fossil fuel production and transition to a clean energy future.

On Saturday, Biden boasted on social media that “on my watch, we’ve responsibly increased our oil production to meet our immediate needs—without delaying or deferring our transition to clean energy.”

“We’re America,” the president added. “We can do both.”

Other climate groups and experts have also challenged Biden’s position in recent days.

Climate scientist Peter Kalmus said on social media, “This is horrifying.”

Fridays for Future USA contended, “You cannot in fact do both.”

“You can’t expand fossil fuels on Monday, expand renewables on Tuesday, and call it climate action on Wednesday,” the youth-led movement added.

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Read the full post at Common Dreams.