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Covid experts lead taskforce briefing after Biden's declaration 'we're letting science speak again' – live Biden says 'we've waited too long to deal with climate crisis' in sharp turn from Trump – live
(32 minutes later)
Joe Biden purposefully not present at Covid-19 briefing after saying he wants Americans to hear directly from his scientific team Biden holds briefing on what he is calling the White House’s ‘Climate Day’, pledging a million new jobs in the US automobile industry
Biden is saying words unthinkable in the Trump administration. He’s not only mentioned the climate crisis in so many words, he said the US was not only rejoining the Paris climate accord but was keen to talk to other nations to help “the most vulnerable from the impact of climate change”.
The US president vowed to convene a world summit on Earth Day (April 22) to talk about action for the more vulnerable as well as “collective resilience”.
“Environmental justice will be at the center of all we do,” he said.
He talked about funneling extra federal funding to communities badly affected by, for example, environmental pollution. He specifically named the so-called “Cancer Alley” region of Louisiana about which the Guardian has done extensive and in-depth reporting.
“We can do this, we must do this and we will do this,” said Biden, as he walked over to sign executive orders to “meet the climate crisis”. The president said his focus was on jobs, equity and scientific integrity.
The US president is pledging a million new jobs in the US automobile industry being generated by the federal government switching it entire fleet to electric vehicles.
Biden ran on a platform that addressing the human-caused climate crisis would be an opportunity for “jobs of the future”.
He confirmed the creation of a new White House office of domestic climate policy, to be led by Gina McCarthy, who spoke at the press briefing earlier with the new US global climate envoy and former secretary of state John Kerry.
Biden just turned a page on Trump by referring sincerely to the “climate crisis”.
Biden just reiterated: “We are not going to ban fracking”
In a sharp 180-degree turn from the Trump administration, Joe Biden just began a briefing on what he is calling the White House’s “Climate Day”.In a sharp 180-degree turn from the Trump administration, Joe Biden just began a briefing on what he is calling the White House’s “Climate Day”.
“We’ve waited too long to deal with this climate crisis,” he said, using a phrase Trump never used, preferring to call climate change a hoax or something dreamed up by Democrats and other mad liberals.“We’ve waited too long to deal with this climate crisis,” he said, using a phrase Trump never used, preferring to call climate change a hoax or something dreamed up by Democrats and other mad liberals.
Biden just referred to “the existential threat of climate change, because it IS an existential threat”.Biden just referred to “the existential threat of climate change, because it IS an existential threat”.
Joe Biden is expected this Friday to issue executive orders on asylum at the US-Mexico border, refugee resettlement and the reunification of migrant families, according to a Biden transition team memo shared with lawmakers and interviews with two people familiar with the plans.Joe Biden is expected this Friday to issue executive orders on asylum at the US-Mexico border, refugee resettlement and the reunification of migrant families, according to a Biden transition team memo shared with lawmakers and interviews with two people familiar with the plans.
Biden has vowed to reverse many policies put in place by the former Republican president, Donald Trump, a process that could take months or years.The White House declined to comment and people familiar with discussions cautioned that plans could change, Reuters reports.Biden has vowed to reverse many policies put in place by the former Republican president, Donald Trump, a process that could take months or years.The White House declined to comment and people familiar with discussions cautioned that plans could change, Reuters reports.
Biden plans to rescind some Trump policies that made it harder to obtain asylum in the United States, according to the memo.Biden plans to rescind some Trump policies that made it harder to obtain asylum in the United States, according to the memo.
The memo did not specify which polices would be reversed, but a person familiar with the plans said Biden would end a controversial Trump program known as the Migrant Protection Protocols.The memo did not specify which polices would be reversed, but a person familiar with the plans said Biden would end a controversial Trump program known as the Migrant Protection Protocols.
The Biden administration announced last Wednesday that it would end all new enrollments in the program, which has forced more than 65,000 asylum seekers back to Mexico to wait for US immigration court hearings.The Biden administration announced last Wednesday that it would end all new enrollments in the program, which has forced more than 65,000 asylum seekers back to Mexico to wait for US immigration court hearings.
The Biden administration has not said what will happen to migrants already enrolled in the program, but DHS stated in its announcement last week they should “remain where they are” and await further US government instruction.The Biden administration has not said what will happen to migrants already enrolled in the program, but DHS stated in its announcement last week they should “remain where they are” and await further US government instruction.
In addition, Biden plans to roll back a Trump rule that sought to block asylum seekers who pass through another country en route to the United States, the person said.In addition, Biden plans to roll back a Trump rule that sought to block asylum seekers who pass through another country en route to the United States, the person said.
Biden will also direct US agencies to create strategies to address the root causes of migration from Central America and expand opportunities for migrants to come to the United States legally, the memo said.Biden will also direct US agencies to create strategies to address the root causes of migration from Central America and expand opportunities for migrants to come to the United States legally, the memo said.
Biden is eventually expected to scrap asylum agreements struck by the Trump administration with Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, three people close to the Biden transition told Reuters last month. Whether he will take that step on Friday remains unclear.Biden will create a task force to reunite migrant families who were separated at the US-Mexico border by Trump’s immigration policies.Biden is eventually expected to scrap asylum agreements struck by the Trump administration with Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, three people close to the Biden transition told Reuters last month. Whether he will take that step on Friday remains unclear.Biden will create a task force to reunite migrant families who were separated at the US-Mexico border by Trump’s immigration policies.
Parties in a lawsuit over the separations have been unable to reach the parents of more than 600 children, according to a court filing this month.Biden is expected to issue an executive order that would remove barriers to legal immigration and citizenship.As part of that effort, the order will begin the process of rescinding Trump’s so-called “public charge” rule, which makes it harder for immigrants who are poor or need certain government benefits to secure residency and stay in the country, according to two people familiar with the plans.Biden is expected to lay out principles that will guide his administration’s global refugee policy.He has pledged to raise annual refugee intake levels to 125,000, up from the record-low 15,000-person ceiling set by Trump for fiscal year 2021, which began on Oct. 1, 2020.Parties in a lawsuit over the separations have been unable to reach the parents of more than 600 children, according to a court filing this month.Biden is expected to issue an executive order that would remove barriers to legal immigration and citizenship.As part of that effort, the order will begin the process of rescinding Trump’s so-called “public charge” rule, which makes it harder for immigrants who are poor or need certain government benefits to secure residency and stay in the country, according to two people familiar with the plans.Biden is expected to lay out principles that will guide his administration’s global refugee policy.He has pledged to raise annual refugee intake levels to 125,000, up from the record-low 15,000-person ceiling set by Trump for fiscal year 2021, which began on Oct. 1, 2020.
Biden is not expected to immediately raise the refugee limit. Instead, the Biden administration will follow a formal process that involves consulting with Congress, according to two people familiar with the plan.Biden is not expected to immediately raise the refugee limit. Instead, the Biden administration will follow a formal process that involves consulting with Congress, according to two people familiar with the plan.
White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients says it’s essential that Congress pass Joe Biden’s Covid-19 relief bill to keep the momentum on vaccinations and more testing capacity to contain the virus.White House coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients says it’s essential that Congress pass Joe Biden’s Covid-19 relief bill to keep the momentum on vaccinations and more testing capacity to contain the virus.
Zients says the administration is committed to delivering on Biden’s goal of 100 million shots in 100 days, and more if doable.Zients says the administration is committed to delivering on Biden’s goal of 100 million shots in 100 days, and more if doable.
But his top aide, Andy Slavitt, also says 500 million shots would be needed to vaccinate all Americans 16 and older.But his top aide, Andy Slavitt, also says 500 million shots would be needed to vaccinate all Americans 16 and older.
Biden’s “American Rescue Plan” has a total price tag of $1.9 trillion, which is making some Republicans in Congress balk. But most of the cost is to shore up the economy, The Associated Press reports.Biden’s “American Rescue Plan” has a total price tag of $1.9 trillion, which is making some Republicans in Congress balk. But most of the cost is to shore up the economy, The Associated Press reports.
It’s been a busy morning in US political news. The White House press briefing is still going on, now with Q & A with press sec Jen Psaki, and Joe Biden is expected within the half hour to talk about the climate crisis. So do stay tuned.It’s been a busy morning in US political news. The White House press briefing is still going on, now with Q & A with press sec Jen Psaki, and Joe Biden is expected within the half hour to talk about the climate crisis. So do stay tuned.
Here are the main developments so far today:Here are the main developments so far today:
White House new climate experts refer to “climate crisis” and discuss urgent action to be taken to create “jobs of the future” and climate justice in clean break from Trump era.White House new climate experts refer to “climate crisis” and discuss urgent action to be taken to create “jobs of the future” and climate justice in clean break from Trump era.
Biden administration leaves Covid-19 briefings to scientists and researchers. At the first public briefing by the White House coronavirus task force under the new president, Joe Biden, the president himself was absent – by design.Biden administration leaves Covid-19 briefings to scientists and researchers. At the first public briefing by the White House coronavirus task force under the new president, Joe Biden, the president himself was absent – by design.
In call with Nato secretary general, Biden reaffirms US support for military alliance, doesn’t push on funding complaints, in another break from Trump.In call with Nato secretary general, Biden reaffirms US support for military alliance, doesn’t push on funding complaints, in another break from Trump.
Biden is expected to sign an executive order tomorrow to reopen the HealthCare.gov insurance markets for a special sign-up opportunity geared to people needing coverage in the coronavirus pandemic.Biden is expected to sign an executive order tomorrow to reopen the HealthCare.gov insurance markets for a special sign-up opportunity geared to people needing coverage in the coronavirus pandemic.
A reporter just asked how international partners will know the US is fully committed to combatting climate change, and will not double back on efforts.A reporter just asked how international partners will know the US is fully committed to combatting climate change, and will not double back on efforts.
Kerry said he hopes the Biden administration will be “move the marketplace”, to the extent that, “no one would be able to undo” what the planet will be doing in the coming “months and years”.Kerry said he hopes the Biden administration will be “move the marketplace”, to the extent that, “no one would be able to undo” what the planet will be doing in the coming “months and years”.
He also said major banks and asset managers are increasingly realizing “the need to put assets into this endeavor”.He also said major banks and asset managers are increasingly realizing “the need to put assets into this endeavor”.
McCarthy follows: in spite of the Trump administration’s efforts, “clean energy has gone faster and farther than anyone would have expected.” She said the “private sectors going to drive,” these changes.McCarthy follows: in spite of the Trump administration’s efforts, “clean energy has gone faster and farther than anyone would have expected.” She said the “private sectors going to drive,” these changes.
The administration continues to focus on jobs, jobs, jobs. “It’s going to benefit jobs, it’s going to benefit our health and it’s going to lead to the future we want to hand down to our children,” said McCarthy.The administration continues to focus on jobs, jobs, jobs. “It’s going to benefit jobs, it’s going to benefit our health and it’s going to lead to the future we want to hand down to our children,” said McCarthy.
“Workers have been fed a falsehood,” said Kerry. He said workers have been “fed” that “dealing with climate” will end their livelihood. He said the same workers who put together internal combustion engine cars can put together electric cars.“Workers have been fed a falsehood,” said Kerry. He said workers have been “fed” that “dealing with climate” will end their livelihood. He said the same workers who put together internal combustion engine cars can put together electric cars.
“Quality of life will be better,” said Kerry. Fewer fossil fuel driven jobs will result in, “healthier [jobs], less cancer, cleaner air.”“Quality of life will be better,” said Kerry. Fewer fossil fuel driven jobs will result in, “healthier [jobs], less cancer, cleaner air.”
“We spend $55bn a year on it is environmentally induced asthma... that will change as we begin to reign in what we used to call pollution in this country,” said Kerry.“We spend $55bn a year on it is environmentally induced asthma... that will change as we begin to reign in what we used to call pollution in this country,” said Kerry.
“We’re not going to ask people to go from the middle of Ohio or Pennsylvania to ship out to the coasts for solar jobs,” said McCarthy. Instead, the administration will focus on putting people to work in their own communities, such as capping methane-emitting abandoned oil and gas wells.“We’re not going to ask people to go from the middle of Ohio or Pennsylvania to ship out to the coasts for solar jobs,” said McCarthy. Instead, the administration will focus on putting people to work in their own communities, such as capping methane-emitting abandoned oil and gas wells.
Kerry just fielded a question on how the US will bring China, which like the US is a major greenhouse gas emitter, to the table for negotiations. He said the US will need to “compartmentalize” on climate despite policy differences of the two nations.Kerry just fielded a question on how the US will bring China, which like the US is a major greenhouse gas emitter, to the table for negotiations. He said the US will need to “compartmentalize” on climate despite policy differences of the two nations.
McCarthy also took a question on the administration’s coal policy. She said the administration is committed to taking a “close look” at how to handle coal, and said the president intends to lead with jobs.McCarthy also took a question on the administration’s coal policy. She said the administration is committed to taking a “close look” at how to handle coal, and said the president intends to lead with jobs.
She then refers back to the question of how to bring China to the table, and the importance of bringing manufacturing back to the US.She then refers back to the question of how to bring China to the table, and the importance of bringing manufacturing back to the US.
“There is going to be a large discussion of building up our manufacturing base again,” said McCarthy. Part of that is “making sure the federal government buys American.”“There is going to be a large discussion of building up our manufacturing base again,” said McCarthy. Part of that is “making sure the federal government buys American.”
Now it’s John Kerry’s turn. He is the first international presidential envoy on climate change.Now it’s John Kerry’s turn. He is the first international presidential envoy on climate change.
“The stakes on climate change just couldn’t be any higher,” said Kerry. “We have a big agenda in front of us on a global basis,” he said.“The stakes on climate change just couldn’t be any higher,” said Kerry. “We have a big agenda in front of us on a global basis,” he said.
Among the president’s actions, Kerry said, the 17 intelligence agencies of the US would come together to assess the security risks of the climate crisis, and develop a global climate finance plan, among other international actions.Among the president’s actions, Kerry said, the 17 intelligence agencies of the US would come together to assess the security risks of the climate crisis, and develop a global climate finance plan, among other international actions.
“Failure, literally, is not an option,” said Kerry. “2021 is going to be the year to make up for the last four years.”“Failure, literally, is not an option,” said Kerry. “2021 is going to be the year to make up for the last four years.”
The White House press briefing is now beginning, focusing on the “climate crisis,” according to press secretary Jen Psaki and passes the mic to Gina McCarthy, a top climate advisor to Biden.
When the president thinks about the climate crisis, she said, “His first thought is about jobs.” McCarthy then begins to go through some of the executive orders Joe Biden plans to sign today.
She said this effort will “power the economy with good paying union jobs.”
Before we barrel into the White House press briefing with press secretary Jen Psaki, here are the main takeaways from the Biden administration’s first formal Covid-19 briefing:
Joe Biden was not present, by design. Covid-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said the president wants to leave briefings on the virus to the experts, and the administration intends to hold them regularly. The next one will be Friday.
CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walinsky said there are signs of hope in the pandemic, but many thousands more people will likely die in the US before the pandemic is over, including almost certainly reaching 500,000 deaths in February.
Experts urged people to continue to wear masks, wash hands and social distance to mitigate spread of the virus as cases remain “extraordinarily high” according to Wakinsky.
Dr. Anthony Fauci said vaccines remain efficacious against concerning new Covid-19 variants, including the B117 variant first identified in the UK. However, he said the US will need to continue to look to the future to develop drugs to treat new variants of Covid-19, specifically including monoclonal antibodies.
Right now, the US is 43rd in the world in terms of monitoring for new coronavirus variants through genomic sequencing. That process requires resources, which Walinsky said researchers need to continue this work. She called on Congress to pass Biden’s proposed $1.9tn stimulus package.
And the team also highlighted some of the policy changes made yesterday to expedite vaccine manufacturing and distribution. Among them: the US bought 200 million more vaccine doses from Pfizer and Moderna; it will provide 10 million vaccine doses per week to states for the next three weeks; and states will get more transparency about upcoming allotments.
Here’s an important point: the US is 43rd in terms of tracking genetic variants of Covid-19, like the B117 variant first identified in the United Kingdom. That means the US is not doing enough surveillance to identify changes in the coronavirus early.
The situation is “completely unacceptable,” said Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients.
To track these variants, scientists need to do genomic sequencing of coronavirus samples. And in order to systematically collect, sequence and analyze those changes, CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walinsky said they need resources.
There are resources allocated for just this type fo surveillance in Biden’s $1.9tn American Resuce Plan, she said. Scientists “need access to those resources to do the level of sequencing we need.”
“We’ve identified 12 areas where the president has authorized us to use,” the Defense Production Act, said Andy Slavitt. The administration is also “actively exploring” whether factories can be retrofitted to produce more vaccines.
“We have to make sure the vaccines that are produced are done the right way,” said Slavitt. Based on the current timeline, manufacturers would deliver all doses by early fall. “We don’t want to make a commitment to the public based on things that have not been accomplished,” said Slavitt.
Slavitt is now running through some of the measures the Biden administration has taken to get more vaccines to people. Here are some of those measures:
The US has exercised an option to purchase an additional 200 million doses of vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna, which will bring the total US supply to 600 million doses. That should be enough to vaccinate everyone older than 16.
The administration increased vaccine distributions to states to 10 million per week, from 8.6 million per week, for the next three weeks.
The administration will give states three weeks’ notice of upcoming vaccine allotments, to give them time to prepare.
Andy Slavitt, who is helping coordinate the Covid-19 response, said the Biden administration is working to get vaccines to Americans, “despite not inheriting a fully developed strategy or infrastructure to make vaccines available to Americans.”
Now, we’re hearing from Dr Marcella Nunez-Smith, who is speaking about equity in the Covid-19 response. Communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19. A task force for equity is being formed, she said, and will serve an advisory roll in the response.
“All Americans, everyone in our country, should have the benefit of a safe effective vaccine,” said Nunez-Smith. Being able to pay should not play a roll, not should transportation or work hours.
“We’re working to make sure transportation and paid time off are available,” she said. In some cases, the vaccine will need to be brought to people who need them, rather than vise versa.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is now giving an update on vaccines and drugs to treat Covid-19. He said current evidence shows vaccines appear to still be very effective against concerning Covid-19 variants.
“What we’re seeing is a very slight, if at all, impact on vaccine induced antibodies,” for B117, said Fauci, and a “moderate” reduction in efficacy against the South African variant, though the vaccine is still effective.
“We have to be looking forward,” on virus mutations, said Fauci.
Walensky said the CDC is also monitoring virus variants, most notably the most transmissible variant B117 first identified in the UK.
“Viruses mutate and we have always expected variants would emerge,” said Walensky. However, more cases could “increase stress on our already taxed healthcare system,” she said. To date, 308 cases of the B117 variant have been found in 26 states.
The first case of the P1 variant was found in the US in Minnesota. Researchers have not found any cases of the B1351 variant in the US. The variant was first identified in South Africa.