In a new executive order, President Joe Biden established the National Climate Task Force, which aims to facilitate the organization and deployment of a government-wide approach to combat the climate crisis. More specifically, the task force shall facilitate planning and implementation of key federal actions to reduce climate pollution; increase resilience to the impacts of climate change; protect public health; conserve our lands, waters, oceans, and biodiversity; deliver environmental justice; and spur well-paying union jobs and economic growth. The task force will be led by the National Climate advisor and its members include the secretaries of several agencies, among them HUD.
Acting HUD Secretary Matthew Ammon put out the following statement in response, “HUD applauds President Biden for taking immediate steps to tackle our country’s climate crisis head on. Without bold action, climate change will have devastating consequences on our health and economy, particularly for low-income communities, communities of color, and other historically marginalized groups. As an agency that exists to serve the most vulnerable Americans, HUD will play a critical role in supporting communities that are disproportionally impacted by floods, wildfires, heatwaves, and other aspects of climate change. The President’s Executive Order will allow our department to make the necessary investments in these communities to ensure more sustainable, safe, and affordable housing in communities that need it most.”
