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Making Progress on Climate Change

Summary: 
In the past few months, the Administration has taken important steps under the Climate Action Plan to move to cleaner sources of power, strengthen our communities against the threat of severe weather, and engage our international partners.
President Barack Obama delivers remarks on climate change, at Georgetown University

President Barack Obama delivers remarks on climate change, at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., June 25, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

In June 2013, President Obama gave a speech at Georgetown University where he laid out both the case for action on climate change and the steps his Administration will take to address it. The Climate Action Plan that the President announced includes steps to cut carbon pollution, help prepare the United States for the impacts of climate change that are already on the way, and continue American leadership in international efforts to combat global climate change. As we begin 2014, seven months after the President’s speech, we can report that the Administration is delivering on the ambitious goals the President put forward. 

In the past few months, the Administration has taken important steps under the Climate Action Plan to move to cleaner sources of power, strengthen our communities against climate change impacts such as the threat of more severe weather, and engage our international partners. The Department of the Interior continued to approve renewable energy projects on our Federal; the Department of Energy has proposed new energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment that will help cut consumers' electricity bills; and the Environmental Protection Agency has taken common sense steps to cut carbon pollution from power plants.

In addition, the President has signed an Executive Order on Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change, and we have brought together a diverse group of elected officials through the State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience. The Administration has also made significant progress in leading multilateral and bilateral efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions while working to advance international climate negotiations.

Taking on the challenge of climate change will require an all-hands effort.  Over the last seven months we have made progress under the President’s Climate Action plan towards meeting this challenge in a way that advances our economy, our environment, and public health at the same time. For more highlights on the Administration’s work since the President’s speech, check out our latest Progress Report on President Obama’s Climate Action Plan.


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