Thread by @SenWhitehouse

Okay, the Mountain Valley Pipeline approval is a blow. I get it. But once we’ve put this MAGA default threat behind us, we’ll need to focus on four things.

One, we need first-class implementation of the IRA. I believe we have the right guy in John Podesta, and the early take-up signals are excellent. Trust but verify; but so far, so good.

Two, we need rapid Administrative Procedures Act approval of the EPA’s methane reg, including its embedded “social cost of carbon” (SCC)…

And then rapid and robust direction from OMB to all executive agencies to implement the SCC across purchasing, permitting, regulation, fees, licenses, etc., etc.

Three, we need rapid multi-agency enforcement against industry methane leakers. DOJ already said it’s in; next, the rest. Satellites give excellent methane leak detection — now, enforce. An easy win.

Fourth, we need to turn our response to the EU CBAM (carbon border tariff) into a big climate positive. No whining or complaining; no exceptions, delays or waivers; no substitute “arrangements.” Someone needs to be tasked to do this.

Here’s a free fifth, just for fun: no more participating in international “climate” meetings with corporations hiding their anti-climate political activity. If you don’t come clean, don’t come at all. Yes, that includes trade associations (yes, I mean you, #ChamberofCarbon).

This is all executive branch stuff. Fossil-fuel-funded climate-denying Republicans don’t need to be brought along.

Together, done well, it can get us on a pathway to climate safety. Even though approval of the Mountain Valley Pipeline sucks.