Executive Order 14035

On March 2, 2023, Executive Order 14035 was signed into effect, a significant policy shift aimed at addressing critical issues surrounding energy security, climate change, and the resilience of critical infrastructure. This comprehensive executive order marks a pivotal moment in the United States' approach to these interconnected challenges, and its implications are far-reaching.

The Context and Rationale Behind Executive Order 14035

In recent years, the United States has witnessed an unprecedented series of extreme weather events, from devastating hurricanes and wildfires to prolonged droughts and severe floods. These events have not only caused immense human suffering and economic losses but have also exposed the vulnerabilities of the nation’s critical infrastructure, including its energy systems.

Executive Order 14035 was issued in response to these growing concerns, recognizing the urgent need to enhance the resilience of the nation's infrastructure against the impacts of climate change. The order acknowledges that climate change is not a distant future threat but a present-day reality, with far-reaching consequences for national security, economic stability, and public health.

By signing this executive order, the administration aims to address these challenges head-on, ensuring that the United States is better prepared to face the impacts of climate change and to build a more sustainable and resilient future.

Key Provisions and Initiatives of Executive Order 14035

Enhancing Energy Security and Transitioning to Clean Energy

One of the primary focuses of Executive Order 14035 is the transition to clean and renewable energy sources. The order sets ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the adoption of clean energy technologies across all sectors of the economy.

• The order calls for a significant increase in the deployment of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, with a target of achieving a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035.
• It also emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency measures, encouraging the adoption of energy-saving technologies and practices in both the public and private sectors.
• To support this transition, the order directs federal agencies to prioritize the use of clean energy in their operations and to incorporate sustainability considerations into their procurement processes.

Strengthening Critical Infrastructure Resilience

Executive Order 14035 recognizes the vital role of critical infrastructure in maintaining the nation’s security and economic stability. The order aims to enhance the resilience of these systems against the impacts of climate change and other threats.

• It directs federal agencies to identify and prioritize critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, transportation, and water, for enhanced resilience measures.
• The order encourages the development and implementation of risk-based resilience standards and best practices, ensuring that critical infrastructure is designed, constructed, and maintained to withstand extreme weather events and other climate-related hazards.
• Additionally, it promotes the integration of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure approaches to enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems.

Promoting Climate-Resilient Communities

Recognizing that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, Executive Order 14035 places a strong emphasis on promoting climate resilience and equity.

• The order directs federal agencies to prioritize the needs of underserved communities in their climate resilience efforts, ensuring that these communities have the resources and support to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• It also encourages the development of community-based resilience programs, empowering local leaders and organizations to drive climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
• Furthermore, the order promotes the integration of social and environmental justice considerations into all federal climate-related decision-making processes.

Implementation and Interagency Collaboration

To ensure the effective implementation of Executive Order 14035, the administration has established a comprehensive framework for interagency collaboration and coordination.

The order establishes a National Climate Task Force, led by the White House, to oversee the implementation of the executive order's provisions. The task force brings together representatives from various federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security, to work collaboratively towards achieving the order's goals.

Additionally, the order directs federal agencies to establish Climate Resilience Working Groups, which will be responsible for developing and implementing agency-specific climate resilience plans. These working groups will work in close collaboration with state, local, and tribal governments, as well as with private sector partners, to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to climate resilience.

Impact and Future Implications

Executive Order 14035 has the potential to bring about significant changes in the United States’ approach to energy security, climate change, and critical infrastructure resilience.

By setting ambitious targets for clean energy transition and enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure, the order sends a strong signal to the market and to international partners about the United States' commitment to addressing climate change.

The implementation of this executive order is expected to drive innovation and investment in clean energy technologies, create new job opportunities, and foster a more sustainable and resilient economy. It will also enhance the nation's ability to respond to and recover from extreme weather events, reducing the human and economic costs associated with climate-related disasters.

Furthermore, the focus on climate-resilient communities and social equity will help to address historical disparities and ensure that the benefits of climate action are distributed equitably across all segments of society.

As the United States navigates the challenges of climate change, Executive Order 14035 serves as a guiding framework, providing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to building a more resilient and sustainable future. Its implementation will require continued collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of climate change.