How Will America's Environmental Initiatives Change Under President Biden?

We’re coming off a year that was defined by transformative and disruptive change. Now there is plenty more on the horizon with a new presidential administration taking office here in 2021.

What should environment, health, safety, and sustainability professionals expect as America welcomes new leadership in the White House? Will the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris lead to increased federal emphasis on environmental initiatives? It seems very likely.

Since the Biden admin hasn’t even gotten started yet, we can only draw so many conclusions about the impact of this transition for EHS, in terms of shifting environmental regulations and corporate sustainability standards. But based on his campaign rhetoric and Biden’s past actions as a member of the Obama administration, we can start to inform our planning based on some key assumptions and expectations.

Refocusing on Sustainability Regulation
Last May, we wrote about how U.S. environmental regulations and water protections were being rolled back under the Trump administration. Our primary advice back then: stay the course, and remain committed to your organization’s sustainability goals. “Being environmentally conscious matters to employees, customers, and other shareholders, and can pay off big for the bottom line,” we pointed out. “Plus, by staying the course, you’ll be better prepared for future regulations, which are all but certain to push back in the other direction.”

Less than a year later, here we are, ready to see the pendulum swing back again. Climate change was featured as a major priority on the Biden/Harris platform, and a key source of criticism toward the incumbent Trump administration.

Already, Biden has shown his seriousness about addressing climate change by appointing former presidential candidate John Kerry as a special presidential envoy for climate.

“This marks the first time that the NSC will include an official dedicated to climate change, reflecting the president-elect's commitment to addressing climate change as an urgent national security issue," said his transition team of the decision.

How else might we see this commitment reflected? What should EHS&S managers be preparing for. Here are some things we know.... Continue reading full post on Antea Group's blog here.

About Antea Group
Antea Group is an international engineering and environmental consulting firm specializing in full-service solutions in the fields of environment, health and safety, infrastructure, urban planning, and water. By combining strategic thinking and multidisciplinary perspectives with technical expertise and pragmatic action, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. With more than 3,200 employees in over 90 offices around the world, we serve clients ranging from global energy companies and manufacturers to national governments and local municipalities. Antea Group is a founding member of Inogen Alliance, a global network of independent consulting companies that are together by choice to collaborate around the world on EHS projects for a consistent client experience. Learn more at https://us.anteagroup.com.