Climate Change

Last updated on June 4, 2025

Prompt: How will the One Big Beautiful Bill address climate change?

The bill you provided, titled the "One Big Beautiful Bill," appears to be a comprehensive legislative package covering a wide range of topics, including agriculture, defense, education, energy, environment, and more. While the bill touches on many areas, its direct impact on climate change is embedded primarily in certain sections related to energy, environment, conservation, and resource management.

Here's an analysis of how some key provisions in this bill could affect climate change:

  1. Conservation and Water Management (Sec. 10102):

    • Funding and programs aimed at water source protection, habitat conservation, and watershed management could promote ecological resilience and reduce environmental degradation.
    • These efforts can help preserve ecosystems that act as carbon sinks, thereby mitigating climate change effects.

  2. Renewable Energy and Energy Programs (Sec. 41001, Sec. 80181-82):

    • The bill includes provisions for fees and revenue sharing related to renewable energy on federal lands.
    • Although some rescissions and repeals are noted, the focus on renewable energy development could support transition away from fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

  3. Agricultural and Rural Investment (Sec. 10101-04, Sec. 11101-12):

    • Investment in rural America, including conservation, water storage, and sustainable farming practices, can reduce emissions related to agriculture.
    • Programs promoting research, development, and adoption of climate-resilient agriculture could contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation.

  4. Forestry and Land Management (Sec. 10105):

    • Extending programs for forest health, habitat restoration, and invasive species management can improve carbon sequestration and reduce forest fires, which are significant sources of carbon emissions.

  5. Research and Innovation (Sec. 10104, Sec. 10108):

    • Funding for research into emerging agricultural technologies, sustainable practices, and environmental data collection can facilitate innovations that reduce emissions and improve climate resilience.

Provisions That Could Potentially Hinder Climate Goals:

  1. Reversals of Climate and Environmental Regulations (Sec. 42101-17, Sec. 42201-12, Sec. 42301):

    • The bill includes repeals and rescissions of EPA rules related to greenhouse gas emissions standards, clean heavy-duty vehicles, and other climate-related regulations.
    • Repealing or rescinding these regulations could lead to increased emissions from vehicles, industry, and power generation, thereby accelerating climate change.

  2. Fossil Fuel and Resource Extraction (Sec. 80121-44):

    • Provisions for oil, gas, and coal leasing, permitting, and royalty adjustments suggest continued or expanded fossil fuel extraction on federal lands.
    • These activities are major sources of greenhouse gases, and expanding fossil fuel access counters efforts to reduce emissions.

  3. Energy and Infrastructure (Sec. 41001-05, Sec. 80181-82):

    • Some rescissions of funding for clean heavy-duty vehicles and energy programs may limit the deployment of cleaner transportation and energy infrastructure.

  4. Offshore Drilling and Resource Development:

    • Sections related to offshore oil and gas leasing, coal leasing, and mineral extraction indicate a push for continued fossil fuel development, which conflicts with climate mitigation efforts.

Summary:

  • Potential Climate Benefits: The bill invests in conservation, rural sustainable practices, and renewable energy development, which could support climate change mitigation if these programs are effectively implemented and expanded.
  • Likely Climate Risks: The bill also includes significant provisions that roll back existing climate regulations, promote fossil fuel leasing and extraction, and reduce environmental oversight, which could result in increased greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate climate change.

Overall Impact:

The bill's effect on climate change will depend heavily on how the provisions are implemented, funded, and balanced. While some parts promote environmental resilience and renewable energy, others appear to favor fossil fuel development and regulatory rollbacks that could exacerbate climate change.

Note: For a comprehensive understanding, it would be necessary to analyze the bill in conjunction with existing laws, current climate commitments, and policy priorities of the administration and Congress.