Success for US Presidents: Biden signs historic package of environmental and social legislation

Enlarge image

US President Biden signs legislation on climate change and health care in the State Dining Room of the White House

Photo: Susan Walsh / dpa

US President Joe Biden has signed a package of laws to invest billions in climate protection and the social sector.

At the event on Tuesday in the White House, the US Democrat spoke of "one of the most important laws in our history".

A nation can be transformed, Biden said.

"That's what's happening now."

The so-called anti-inflation law will prepare the US for the future.

"It's about bringing progress and prosperity to American families." The law also shows "that democracy still works in America," said Biden.

He also criticized "that every single Republican in Congress voted against this law".

Only Democrats voted in favor of the law in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Congress passed the legislative package last week.

Among other things, it provides around 370 billion dollars (363 billion euros) for energy security and climate protection - the largest investment in the fight against global warming in US history.

Also budgeted are $64 billion for healthcare.

Biden had originally aimed for a much larger climate and social package.

The current one is a compromise because of disputes within the Democrats: It contains only a fraction of what Biden once wanted to push through.

Nevertheless, the fact that the law was passed at all is a victory for the president - until recently this was hardly expected.

The Anti-Inflation Act is much broader than the name suggests.

The climate protection measures should lead to a reduction in climate-damaging CO2 emissions in the USA by around 40 percent by 2030 compared to 2005.

The cost of certain medicines should go down.

The legislative package is also intended to close tax loopholes.

The government expects the legislative package to reduce the government deficit by more than $300 billion.

This should also curb high inflation.

Biden's Democrats are hoping to win over voters with the legislative package ahead of the November congressional election.

In the elections, the Republicans are expected to have a good chance of winning the majority in the House of Representatives.

Then Biden, who is already causing problems for the dissenter in his own party, will have even more difficulty with legislative projects.

Water Shortages on

Colorado

River: US Govt Reduces Supply

How important the topic of climate protection is became clear in the USA on Tuesday using the example of the Colorado River in the south-west of the country.

The states of Arizona and Nevada are facing water cuts due to ongoing water shortages along the river.

The U.S. government announced on Tuesday that it would reduce water runoff from the Mead and Powell reservoirs, which are fed by the Colorado River, for the second year in a row.

The background is the forecast that the water levels will continue to drop.

The water reservoirs not only provide drinking water for seven states and also for part of Mexico, the river is also vital for agriculture and the energy supply in the region.

The drought of the past few decades has caused the river to thin out severely, Deputy Home Secretary Tommy Beaudreau said on Tuesday.

The severe drought in the region is due to the effects of climate change, including extreme heat and low rainfall.

“Every sector in every state has a responsibility to ensure water is used at maximum efficiency.

To avoid a catastrophic collapse of the Colorado River system and a future of uncertainty and conflict, water use in the catchment must be reduced,” said Tanya Trujillo.

She is responsible for water and science in the Ministry of the Interior.

Mexico also has to adjust to less water.

In the United States, the Department of the Interior, with its approximately 70,000 employees, is primarily responsible for the administration of federally owned land.

The ministry decides, for example, whether nature reserves are to be designated or whether energy production such as fracking is permitted.

Internal security, on the other hand – which is the responsibility of the interior ministries in Europe – is the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security in the USA.

aar/dpa