Instead of risking what could be another futile attempt at compromise in the Republican-controlled House, President Obama is bypassing congressional debate altogether in his new plan addressing climate change. His strategically timed announcement, given to Georgetown University students in 92-degree heat, reassured many supporters worrying about Obama’s commitment to the environment, particularly with regards to the Keystone XL Pipeline.
The three-part plan orders the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop carbon dioxide standards for power plants, calls for action to assist farmers in current climate changes and prepare them for the future, and promises to increase diplomacy efforts with an attempt at a new treaty to curb carbon emissions. None of these elements require the support of Congress, writes NPR.org, although it could be helpful.
The bill concerned even some Democrats, Politico.com reports. But Congress can’t take any action until after the proposed changes go into effect, and then only through a Congressional Review Act (CRA), which united Republicans have failed to enact in the past.