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John Kerry says Trump’s climate policies ‘destroyed’ US credibility on world stage – live John Kerry says Trump’s climate policies ‘destroyed’ US credibility on world stage – live
(32 minutes later)
Biden’s climate envoy pledges president will take steps to confront crisis while Greta Thunberg says ‘best medication against anger’ is to take actionBiden’s climate envoy pledges president will take steps to confront crisis while Greta Thunberg says ‘best medication against anger’ is to take action
Leanna First-Arai for the Guardian, and Carrington Tatum for MLK50:Justice Through Journalism:
The only things Karmen Johnson-Tutwiler has left to remind her of her mother are a few photographs and just under a quarter acre of land covered in bramble and wildflowers that backs up to a railroad track. When her mother, Sharon Watson, died in 2010, she and her sister inherited it. “She always told me it was important to have a piece of property as your own,” Johnson-Tutwiler said.
While visiting as a child, Johnson-Tutwiler coasted on bikes down hilly roads alongside the property, passing a few modest houses and land where residents grew fruit and vegetables to feed their families. The land is on the edge of a neighborhood called Boxtown, a community built by formerly enslaved people and annexed by the city of Memphis during the 1960s and 1970s. Since then, residents of the neighborhood, which is 99% Black, had to organize to demand the city extend essential services to it, such as water lines, indoor plumbing and bus routes. Like other neighborhoods in south-west Memphis, Boxtown is surrounded by industrial facilities, including a Valero oil refinery.
Since February 2020, the Byhalia Pipeline, a joint venture of Valero and Plains All American Pipeline, has been trying to gain control of part of Johnson-Tutwiler’s land, which is along the route of the proposed 49-mile Byhalia Connection oil pipeline. The route would run through multiple majority-Black neighborhoods in south-west Memphis, and researchers and activists say a spill could threaten the city’s public water source: an aquifer the size of Lake Michigan.
Johnson-Tutwiler does not currently reside on the stretch of land the company wants – .08 of an acre temporarily and .11 of an acre permanently – but it would prevent her or other family members from ever building a house. “That was the only thing that I had that my mom left with us that we could pass down through the lines of the family,” she said.
The legal battle over the proposed pipeline has become a flashpoint in a national conversation about environmental justice and eminent domain, a right of the government to seize private property for public use, which is increasingly being used by oil and gas companies to take private land.
Johnson-Tutwiler and her sister are among at least 10 south-west Memphis families who have already lost or stand to lose some property rights to Byhalia Pipeline. The company has been trying to buy easements, or rights to pieces of property, from Shelby county landowners since 2020. If they refuse, the company has been taking them to court using eminent domain, a power embedded in the fifth amendment and conferred to states through the fourteenth amendment. The federal government and states have allowed energy companies, including oil and gas pipeline builders, to use it for more than 100 years; since fracking was commercialized in 2007, fossil fuel companies have used it more often to build projects including the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines.
On 14 May, a circuit court judge will hear oral arguments from Byhalia Connection, and their opponents, to determine whether any crude oil pipeline developer, including Byhalia Pipeline, has the right to exercise the power of eminent domain under Tennessee law.
It will be the first decision of its kind to be made in a Tennessee court, said Scott Crosby, an attorney representing the landowners, and the outcome could set legal precedent. Legal scholars and activists argue the continued use of eminent domain for fossil fuel development – a power granted by federal law for natural gas pipelines that cross state lines but at the state level for oil pipelines and energy plants – is due for reform amid climate and racial justice crises.
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The Transportation Department announced it will withdraw from Trump-era rule that blocked states from setting their own tailpipe emission standards.The Transportation Department announced it will withdraw from Trump-era rule that blocked states from setting their own tailpipe emission standards.
The Trump-era rule came amid the growing rift between California and the former administration on environmental standards. California had long set tougher car emissions standards than those required by the federal government and had, along with 22 other states, had sued the Trump administration over its decision to revoke the authority of states to set such standards.The Trump-era rule came amid the growing rift between California and the former administration on environmental standards. California had long set tougher car emissions standards than those required by the federal government and had, along with 22 other states, had sued the Trump administration over its decision to revoke the authority of states to set such standards.
Biden’s EPA administrator, Michael Regan, has also said the administration will propose new nationwide standards for tailpipe emissions this summer.Biden’s EPA administrator, Michael Regan, has also said the administration will propose new nationwide standards for tailpipe emissions this summer.
Coral Murphy Marcos in San Juan reports:Coral Murphy Marcos in San Juan reports:
The Trump administration delayed more than $20bn in hurricane relief aid for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, according to a report by the housing department’s office of the inspector General.The Trump administration delayed more than $20bn in hurricane relief aid for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, according to a report by the housing department’s office of the inspector General.
The efforts to deliver recovery funding to the island were “unnecessarily delayed by bureaucratic obstacles”, according to the 46-page report. The hurricane, which hit the island in 2017, killed thousands of people and left thousands more without electricity or water for months.The efforts to deliver recovery funding to the island were “unnecessarily delayed by bureaucratic obstacles”, according to the 46-page report. The hurricane, which hit the island in 2017, killed thousands of people and left thousands more without electricity or water for months.
One of the main hurdles was the requirement imposed by the Office of Management and Budget, which established an interagency review before grant approvals, according to a report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (Hud). The process, which was never before required for allocating disaster funds, prevented Hud from publishing its draft notice of funding by the target date.One of the main hurdles was the requirement imposed by the Office of Management and Budget, which established an interagency review before grant approvals, according to a report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (Hud). The process, which was never before required for allocating disaster funds, prevented Hud from publishing its draft notice of funding by the target date.
The investigators were unable to determine why the extra layer of review was required due “denials of access and refusals to cooperate”, according to the report.The investigators were unable to determine why the extra layer of review was required due “denials of access and refusals to cooperate”, according to the report.
The inspector general’s office conducted 31 interviews of 20 current and former Hud officials and two now-former Puerto Rico department of housing senior officials to write the report. However, investigators did not have access to the former Hud secretary Ben Carson and other political officials. The investigators were also denied or delayed access to Hud information on several occasions.The inspector general’s office conducted 31 interviews of 20 current and former Hud officials and two now-former Puerto Rico department of housing senior officials to write the report. However, investigators did not have access to the former Hud secretary Ben Carson and other political officials. The investigators were also denied or delayed access to Hud information on several occasions.
The report found that Hud’s review and approval of their funding action plan for Puerto Rico was delayed due to the 2018-2019 government shutdown.The report found that Hud’s review and approval of their funding action plan for Puerto Rico was delayed due to the 2018-2019 government shutdown.
“Staffing shortages due to the shutdown and miscommunications between HUD and the Puerto Rico Department of Housing pertaining to the grantee’s bank information delayed PRDOH’s ability to access grant funds until several days after the shutdown ended,” reads the document.“Staffing shortages due to the shutdown and miscommunications between HUD and the Puerto Rico Department of Housing pertaining to the grantee’s bank information delayed PRDOH’s ability to access grant funds until several days after the shutdown ended,” reads the document.
The office of the inspector general investigation also said that both the former Hud secretary and former Hud assistant secretary Brian Montgomery expressed “mounting concerns and frustrations” to the then OMB director, Russell Vought, about Hud’s “inability” to expedite the release of funds.The office of the inspector general investigation also said that both the former Hud secretary and former Hud assistant secretary Brian Montgomery expressed “mounting concerns and frustrations” to the then OMB director, Russell Vought, about Hud’s “inability” to expedite the release of funds.
The report was conducted after a request from representatives Nydia Velázquez, Bennie Thompson, and Raúl Grijalva to investigate several allegations that had been reported in a January 2019 Washington Post article related to the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR) funds appropriated for Puerto Rico.The report was conducted after a request from representatives Nydia Velázquez, Bennie Thompson, and Raúl Grijalva to investigate several allegations that had been reported in a January 2019 Washington Post article related to the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR) funds appropriated for Puerto Rico.
Read more:Read more:
Nearly five months after Joe Biden was declared the official winner of the presidential race in Arizona, state Republicans are set to begin their own audit of millions of ballots, an unprecedented move many see as a thinly-veiled effort to continue to undermine confidence in the 2020 election results.Nearly five months after Joe Biden was declared the official winner of the presidential race in Arizona, state Republicans are set to begin their own audit of millions of ballots, an unprecedented move many see as a thinly-veiled effort to continue to undermine confidence in the 2020 election results.
The GOP-controlled state senate ordered the audit, set to formally get underway this week, which may be one of the most absurd and alarming consequences to date of Donald Trump’s baseless lies about the 2020 election. It will be executed by a private Florida-based company. It also reportedly will be supported from far-right lawyer Lin Wood and observers from the far-right news network One America News Network.The GOP-controlled state senate ordered the audit, set to formally get underway this week, which may be one of the most absurd and alarming consequences to date of Donald Trump’s baseless lies about the 2020 election. It will be executed by a private Florida-based company. It also reportedly will be supported from far-right lawyer Lin Wood and observers from the far-right news network One America News Network.
The audit will be solely focused on Maricopa county, the largest in the state and home to a majority of Arizona’s voters. Biden narrowly defeated Trump in the county, a crucial battleground that helped the president win Arizona by around 10,000 votes. The audit will include a hand recount of all 2.1m ballots cast in the county, a process expected to take months.The audit will be solely focused on Maricopa county, the largest in the state and home to a majority of Arizona’s voters. Biden narrowly defeated Trump in the county, a crucial battleground that helped the president win Arizona by around 10,000 votes. The audit will include a hand recount of all 2.1m ballots cast in the county, a process expected to take months.
Trump and allies have claimed, without evidence, there was fraud in Maricopa county. But the county has already conducted two separate audits of the 2020 election and found no irregularities. The Republican decision to continue to investigate the results, months after they were certified by both county and state officials, extends the life of election conspiracy theories. The audit also comes as Arizona Republicans are advancing legislation in the state that would make it harder to vote by mail.Trump and allies have claimed, without evidence, there was fraud in Maricopa county. But the county has already conducted two separate audits of the 2020 election and found no irregularities. The Republican decision to continue to investigate the results, months after they were certified by both county and state officials, extends the life of election conspiracy theories. The audit also comes as Arizona Republicans are advancing legislation in the state that would make it harder to vote by mail.
“They’re trying to find something that we know doesn’t exist,” said Arizona secretary of state Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, who serves as the state’s top election official. “It’s ludicrous that people think that if they don’t like the results they can just come in and tear them apart.”“They’re trying to find something that we know doesn’t exist,” said Arizona secretary of state Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, who serves as the state’s top election official. “It’s ludicrous that people think that if they don’t like the results they can just come in and tear them apart.”
David Becker, an election administration expert and the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, said the effort was so shoddy he was hesitant to acknowledge it as a legitimate investigation.David Becker, an election administration expert and the executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, said the effort was so shoddy he was hesitant to acknowledge it as a legitimate investigation.
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Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina will be delivering the Republican response to Biden’s address to Congress next week.Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina will be delivering the Republican response to Biden’s address to Congress next week.
Scott, the only Black Republican senator, who is leading the party’s efforts to enact police reform, will have a big opportunity to take the national stage. Biden plans to address a joint session Congress on 28 April - speaking to both chambers all together for the first time since taking office.Scott, the only Black Republican senator, who is leading the party’s efforts to enact police reform, will have a big opportunity to take the national stage. Biden plans to address a joint session Congress on 28 April - speaking to both chambers all together for the first time since taking office.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague Maanvi Singh will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague Maanvi Singh will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Greta Thunberg testified at a House subcommittee hearing on the need to end federal subsidies for fossil fuels. The 18-year-old climate activist implored lawmakers to “listen to and act on the science and to use your common sense”. “We, the young people, are the ones who are going to write about you in the history books,” Thunberg said. “So my advice for you is to choose wisely.”Greta Thunberg testified at a House subcommittee hearing on the need to end federal subsidies for fossil fuels. The 18-year-old climate activist implored lawmakers to “listen to and act on the science and to use your common sense”. “We, the young people, are the ones who are going to write about you in the history books,” Thunberg said. “So my advice for you is to choose wisely.”
Joe Biden announced a goal to cut US greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. The president laid out the new goal in his introductory remarks at the start of a two-day virtual climate summit with dozens of world leaders. “No nation can solve this crisis on our own,” Biden said. “All of us, all of us, and particularly those of us who represent the world’s largest economies, have to step up.”Joe Biden announced a goal to cut US greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. The president laid out the new goal in his introductory remarks at the start of a two-day virtual climate summit with dozens of world leaders. “No nation can solve this crisis on our own,” Biden said. “All of us, all of us, and particularly those of us who represent the world’s largest economies, have to step up.”
John Kerry said Donald Trump’s climate policies had “destroyed” America’s credibility on the world stage. Kerry, the president’s special envoy for climate, also criticized Trump for pulling out of the Paris climate agreement “without any facts, without any science, without any rationale that would be considered reasonable”.John Kerry said Donald Trump’s climate policies had “destroyed” America’s credibility on the world stage. Kerry, the president’s special envoy for climate, also criticized Trump for pulling out of the Paris climate agreement “without any facts, without any science, without any rationale that would be considered reasonable”.
The House passed a bill to make the District of Columbia the 51st US state. The vote of 216 to 208 fell exactly along party lines. The DC statehood bill now heads to the Senate, where Democrats do not currently have the votes to overcome a Republican filibuster of the legislation.The House passed a bill to make the District of Columbia the 51st US state. The vote of 216 to 208 fell exactly along party lines. The DC statehood bill now heads to the Senate, where Democrats do not currently have the votes to overcome a Republican filibuster of the legislation.
The Senate passed an anti-Asian hate crimes bill, in a vote of 94 to 1. The bill, which would create a new justice department position to expedite review of hate crime reports and provide support to state and local officials responding to hate crimes, is expected to pass the House as well.The Senate passed an anti-Asian hate crimes bill, in a vote of 94 to 1. The bill, which would create a new justice department position to expedite review of hate crime reports and provide support to state and local officials responding to hate crimes, is expected to pass the House as well.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The US goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared with 2005 levels, will take the world closer to the reductions scientists say are necessary to hold global heating within scientifically advised limits, analysis has shown.The US goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared with 2005 levels, will take the world closer to the reductions scientists say are necessary to hold global heating within scientifically advised limits, analysis has shown.
The target, announced on Thursday before a virtual summit of more than 40 world leaders hosted by the US president, Joe Biden, would result in emissions reductions of between 1.5 and 2.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year by 2030, compared with the US’s current expected emissions, according to Climate Action Tracker.The target, announced on Thursday before a virtual summit of more than 40 world leaders hosted by the US president, Joe Biden, would result in emissions reductions of between 1.5 and 2.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year by 2030, compared with the US’s current expected emissions, according to Climate Action Tracker.
This is the strongest contribution yet made by any major economy, in terms of the amount of carbon to be cut, towards meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris climate agreement of holding global heating well below 2C. However, the target is not sufficient to meet the more ambitious aspiration of the Paris agreement of limiting temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.This is the strongest contribution yet made by any major economy, in terms of the amount of carbon to be cut, towards meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris climate agreement of holding global heating well below 2C. However, the target is not sufficient to meet the more ambitious aspiration of the Paris agreement of limiting temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
To be in line with a 1.5C temperature rise, the US would need to cut emissions by 57-63% below 2005 levels, said Climate Action Tracker.To be in line with a 1.5C temperature rise, the US would need to cut emissions by 57-63% below 2005 levels, said Climate Action Tracker.
The Senate has passed the anti-Asian hate crimes bill in a vote of 94 to 1, after Democrat Mazie Hirono worked with some of her Republican colleagues to ensure bipartisan support for the legislation.The Senate has passed the anti-Asian hate crimes bill in a vote of 94 to 1, after Democrat Mazie Hirono worked with some of her Republican colleagues to ensure bipartisan support for the legislation.
Josh Hawley, a Republican of Missouri, was the only senator to vote against the bill. Five others -- Republicans Marsha Blackburn, Mike Lee and Rand Paul and Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith -- did not vote.Josh Hawley, a Republican of Missouri, was the only senator to vote against the bill. Five others -- Republicans Marsha Blackburn, Mike Lee and Rand Paul and Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith -- did not vote.
(Klobuchar and Smith were both in their home state of Minnesota to attend the funeral of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by Brooklyn Center police earlier this month.)(Klobuchar and Smith were both in their home state of Minnesota to attend the funeral of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by Brooklyn Center police earlier this month.)
The bill now heads to the Democratic-controlled House, where it is expected to pass. Joe Biden has also signaled he will sign the bill once it reaches his desk.The bill now heads to the Democratic-controlled House, where it is expected to pass. Joe Biden has also signaled he will sign the bill once it reaches his desk.
The legislation would create a new justice department position to more quickly review hate crime reports linked to the coronavirus pandemic and provide support to state and local officials responding to hate crimes.The legislation would create a new justice department position to more quickly review hate crime reports linked to the coronavirus pandemic and provide support to state and local officials responding to hate crimes.
The Senate passage of the bill comes amid an increase in reports of hate crimes among Asian Americans. The shooting at three spas in Atlanta last month also killed eight people, including six Asian women, intensifying calls to address this alarming trend.The Senate passage of the bill comes amid an increase in reports of hate crimes among Asian Americans. The shooting at three spas in Atlanta last month also killed eight people, including six Asian women, intensifying calls to address this alarming trend.
“This long overdue bill sends two messages. To our Asian-American friends, we will not tolerate bigotry against you,” Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said. “And to those perpetrating anti-Asian bigotry, we will pursue you to the fullest extent of the law.”“This long overdue bill sends two messages. To our Asian-American friends, we will not tolerate bigotry against you,” Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said. “And to those perpetrating anti-Asian bigotry, we will pursue you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Jen Psaki was asked to confirm reports that Joe Biden will propose raising taxes on wealthy investors to help fund childcare and education programs.Jen Psaki was asked to confirm reports that Joe Biden will propose raising taxes on wealthy investors to help fund childcare and education programs.
The White House press secretary said she did not want to get ahead of the president, adding that Biden will lay out his $1.5tn American Family Plan when he addresses Congress next week.The White House press secretary said she did not want to get ahead of the president, adding that Biden will lay out his $1.5tn American Family Plan when he addresses Congress next week.
The New York Times has details on the administration’s plans, which remain in flux:The New York Times has details on the administration’s plans, which remain in flux:
The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has now returned to the podium to continue the daily briefing.The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has now returned to the podium to continue the daily briefing.
A reporter asked Psaki why Joe Biden believes federal money should be spent on building electric car charging stations when senior advisers like John Kerry argue the market is going to move in that direction anyway.A reporter asked Psaki why Joe Biden believes federal money should be spent on building electric car charging stations when senior advisers like John Kerry argue the market is going to move in that direction anyway.
Psaki responded that the president believes there is a role for the government to play in encouraging the production of environment-friendly products and creating jobs in the process.Psaki responded that the president believes there is a role for the government to play in encouraging the production of environment-friendly products and creating jobs in the process.
John Kerry was pressed on climate activists’ complaints that Joe Biden’s commitments are not enough to halt the destruction of climate change.John Kerry was pressed on climate activists’ complaints that Joe Biden’s commitments are not enough to halt the destruction of climate change.
“Is it enough? No. But it’s the best we can do today and prove we can begin to move,” the president’s special envoy for climate told reporters.“Is it enough? No. But it’s the best we can do today and prove we can begin to move,” the president’s special envoy for climate told reporters.
Kerry was speaking hours after 18-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg testified before a House oversight subcommittee on the need to end federal subsidies for fossil fuel companies.Kerry was speaking hours after 18-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg testified before a House oversight subcommittee on the need to end federal subsidies for fossil fuel companies.
“Unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight,” Thunberg told lawmakers. “And to be honest, I don’t believe for a second that you will actually do this.”“Unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight,” Thunberg told lawmakers. “And to be honest, I don’t believe for a second that you will actually do this.”
John Kerry dismissed a question on whether he was concerned about Republican opposition to Joe Biden’s climate proposals.John Kerry dismissed a question on whether he was concerned about Republican opposition to Joe Biden’s climate proposals.
The president’s special envoy for climate noted that many policies can be implemented through executive orders, combined with cooperation from the private sector.The president’s special envoy for climate noted that many policies can be implemented through executive orders, combined with cooperation from the private sector.
Kerry argued there were economic advantages to building a green economy, saying the job market is going to be “gigantic” as the US works to ramp up its renewable energy sources.Kerry argued there were economic advantages to building a green economy, saying the job market is going to be “gigantic” as the US works to ramp up its renewable energy sources.
The former secretary of state also used the electric car company Tesla as an example of how companies can financially benefit by building environment-friendly products.The former secretary of state also used the electric car company Tesla as an example of how companies can financially benefit by building environment-friendly products.
“The market is sending signals. The consumer is sending signals,” Kerry said.“The market is sending signals. The consumer is sending signals,” Kerry said.
John Kerry, Joe Biden’s special envoy for climate, said Donald Trump’s policies “destroyed” America’s credibility on the world stage when it comes to addressing climate change.John Kerry, Joe Biden’s special envoy for climate, said Donald Trump’s policies “destroyed” America’s credibility on the world stage when it comes to addressing climate change.
The former secretary of state noted that today, which is Earth Day, marks five years since he signed the Paris climate agreement in New York, with his granddaughter on his knee.The former secretary of state noted that today, which is Earth Day, marks five years since he signed the Paris climate agreement in New York, with his granddaughter on his knee.
“Regrettably, without any facts, without any science, without any rationale that would be considered reasonable, the former president decided to pull out,” Kerry said.“Regrettably, without any facts, without any science, without any rationale that would be considered reasonable, the former president decided to pull out,” Kerry said.
The senior presidential adviser pledged that Biden would take active steps to confront climate change and to rebuild America’s credibility with its foreign allies.The senior presidential adviser pledged that Biden would take active steps to confront climate change and to rebuild America’s credibility with its foreign allies.
The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, is now holding her daily briefing with reporters.The White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, is now holding her daily briefing with reporters.
Psaki is joined today by John Kerry, Joe Biden’s special envoy for climate, and Gina McCarthy, the president’s national climate adviser.Psaki is joined today by John Kerry, Joe Biden’s special envoy for climate, and Gina McCarthy, the president’s national climate adviser.
The briefing comes as Biden kicks off a two-day virtual climate summit with dozens of world leaders at the White House.The briefing comes as Biden kicks off a two-day virtual climate summit with dozens of world leaders at the White House.
Making a pitch for the president’s $2tn infrastructure plan, McCarthy said the proposal would help the US to “grow our economy and to reduce our emissions”.Making a pitch for the president’s $2tn infrastructure plan, McCarthy said the proposal would help the US to “grow our economy and to reduce our emissions”.