This is the latest installment in our series highlighting the policy areas we’re watching leading up to inauguration–and how we’re expecting President-elect Biden’s administration to approach them. Read our previous entries on Health Care, Food & Ag and Tech.

President-elect Joe Biden’s climate and clean energy plan has been characterized as one of the most aggressive and ambitious initiatives put forth by a U.S. presidential candidate.

With slim margins in the House and the fate of the Senate still unknown until the Georgia runoff elections, the Biden-Harris team is likely to rely heavily on executive and regulatory actions to achieve its climate objectives. Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement is at the top of the list. 

The president-elect is also expected to quickly begin reversing the 100+ Trump Administration rollbacks of environmental regulation and advance new climate-focused rules and guidance.

To spearhead his agenda, the president-elect has introduced his nominees to lead the Department of Energy, EPA and Department of Interior. Recent appointments of climate focused advisors to top posts demonstrate the emphasis expected on climate change policy throughout the Biden Administration.

On the legislative front, the Biden administration and congressional Democrats will likely prioritize clean energy investments in any infrastructure or stimulus plan.

In line with his agenda, Biden and his team repeatedly highlighted their commitment to environmental justice to address the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on historically marginalized communities.