GOP Cuts Biden Off at the Pass with ‘Real Emergencies Act’ – Watch
President Biden has been under pressure from left-wing environmental groups to declare a national climate emergency. However, Republicans have blocked his efforts, arguing that such a declaration would be an abuse of power and would have far-reaching consequences.
Under the National Emergencies Act, the president can declare a national emergency in order to address a serious threat to the country. However, the law also states that the emergency must be “sudden,” “unusual,” and “extraordinary.” Republicans argue that climate change does not meet these criteria.
“The Real Emergencies Act” would prevent Biden from implementing emergency powers over the Democrats’ perceived climate catastrophe, giving it national emergency status while ignoring issues affecting Americans that could become actual emergencies like persisting inflation and energy costs that are on the rise. Legislation curbing Biden’s ability to use emergency powers was introduced on Monday by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).
Pfluger stated of the bill: “I am proud to join Senator Capito in introducing the Real Emergencies Act, which will prevent the White House from distracting from real emergencies – like skyrocketing inflation and record-high energy costs – by declaring climate change a national emergency. Our legislation ensures that President Biden does not abuse the power of his office to pursue his anti-American energy agenda against the will of the American people.”
Capito echoed Pfluger: “The Biden administration has repeatedly governed by executive overreach when it comes to energy and environmental regulations, ignoring the law and doing so without congressional approval. “The Real Emergencies Act” would ensure the president cannot go further by declaring a national emergency, which would grant him more executive authority and grow the size of government all in the name of climate change.”
They point out that climate change is a long-term problem that has been caused by human activity over many years. They also argue that there is no clear scientific consensus on the extent to which climate change is caused by human activity.
If Biden were to declare a national climate emergency, he would have broad powers to take action to address the problem. He could use these powers to restrict fossil fuel production, invest in renewable energy, and regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
Republicans argue that these actions would have a negative impact on the economy. They also argue that they would be an overreach of executive power.
I am proud to join @SenCapito in introducing the Real Emergencies Act, which will prevent the White House from distracting from real emergencies – like skyrocketing inflation and record-high energy costs – by declaring climate change a national emergency.
Read more from…— Rep. August Pfluger (@RepPfluger) June 26, 2023
