On one hand, a Jan. 16-17 exchange of letters between leaders of 18 national environmental organizations and the Obama administration simply may have been political posturing before 2014's real work begins. On the other, it could be a timely reminder of where the White House stands on climate and energy.
Chief executives from the Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, and 16 other groups applauded actions President Barack Obama already has taken to reduce carbon emissions across the US economy in a Jan. 16 letter.
They cited commitments he made last June when he announced his climate action plan "to take bold action to reduce carbon pollution" and "lead the world in a coordinated assault on climate change," and promised to continue working with him to achieve these goals.
The group also noted that Obama mentioned in that speech he had already put forward an "all of the above" energy strategy while noting the US simply can drill its way out of its energy and climate challenge.
"We understand that the US cannot immediately end its use of fossil fuels and we also appreciate the advantages of being more energy independent," it continued. "But an ‘all of the above' approach that places virtually no limits on whether, when, where, or how fossil fuels are extracted ignores the impacts of carbon-intense fuels and is wrong for America's future."
The environmental leaders said the administration will make key energy development decisions in the coming months on the proposed Keystone XL crude oil pipeline's cross-border permit, hydraulic fracturing on public lands, offshore drilling in the US Arctic, and other major projects and activities.
"We urge you to make climate impacts and emission increases critical considerations in each of these decisions," they said.
Expresses surprise
The White House responded quickly. John D. Podesta, one of Obama's senior advisors, reminded the group that the administration has made significant progress the past 7 months in implementing the president's climate action plan, but still must fight efforts in Congress against it. Then he expressed surprise that the environmental leaders even bothered to send their letter.
"The president has been leading the transition to low-carbon energy sources, and understands the need to consider a balanced approach to all forms of energy development, including oil and gas production," Podesta told them. Implementing the climate plan will continue to be the focus of the administration efforts, and advice from environmental groups will continue to be welcome, he added.
How the administration actually tries to do all this will be widely discussed in coming months. Further clues may come Jan. 28 in the president's State of the Union address.
