Biden Administration Can Measure “Social Cost of Carbon” for Economically Significant Regulations
March 14, 2023

Yes, the Biden administration has announced that it will use the “social cost of carbon” (SCC) to measure the economic impact of regulations related to climate change. The SCC is a measure of the economic damage caused by each additional ton of greenhouse gas emissions. It takes into account factors such as the impact of climate change on public health, infrastructure, agriculture, and other sectors.
By using the SCC, the Biden administration aims to more accurately assess the economic impact of regulations related to climate change and to ensure that the costs and benefits of such regulations are properly accounted for. This will help to ensure that policies are based on sound economic principles and that the costs of climate change are properly accounted for in decision-making.
The SCC was first developed under the Obama administration and was used to justify a number of climate-related regulations. However, the Trump administration rolled back the use of the SCC and removed it from consideration in regulatory decisions. The Biden administration has now reinstated the SCC and plans to use it as a key tool in its efforts to address climate change.
Why Federal Agencies Conduct Cost-Benefit Analyses of Carbon
Federal agencies conduct cost-benefit analyses of carbon for a number of reasons related to their regulatory responsibilities. These analyses help agencies to determine the potential economic impacts of proposed regulations on carbon emissions and to compare the costs and benefits of different regulatory options.
There are several key reasons why agencies conduct cost-benefit analyses of carbon:
- To assess the economic impact of carbon regulations: Cost-benefit analyses help agencies to estimate the potential economic costs and benefits of proposed regulations on carbon emissions. This includes assessing the impact on businesses, consumers, and the overall economy.
- To compare regulatory options: Cost-benefit analyses allow agencies to compare the costs and benefits of different regulatory options for reducing carbon emissions. This helps agencies to identify the most cost-effective approach for achieving their regulatory goals.
- To justify regulations: Cost-benefit analyses provide a basis for justifying the need for regulations related to carbon emissions. By quantifying the economic costs and benefits of these regulations, agencies can demonstrate that they are necessary and justified.
- To comply with regulatory requirements: Many federal laws require agencies to conduct cost-benefit analyses when developing regulations. This includes laws such as the Clean Air Act and the Regulatory Flexibility Act Biden administration.
Overall, cost-benefit analyses of carbon help federal agencies to make informed decisions about the economic impacts of their regulatory actions and to ensure that their decisions are based on sound economic principles Biden administration.
Plaintiff States Don’t Have Standing
“Standing” refers to a legal principle that requires a party to demonstrate that they have suffered or will suffer an actual injury or harm that can be addressed by a court. In the context of a lawsuit, a party must have standing in order to bring a claim in court Biden administration.
In some cases, plaintiff states (states that bring a lawsuit) may be challenged on the basis of standing. For example, in a case challenging a federal regulation, a defendant may argue that the plaintiff states do not have standing to bring the lawsuit because they have not suffered an actual injury as a result of the regulation.
However, whether or not plaintiff states have standing will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. In some cases, plaintiff states may be able to demonstrate that they have standing based on the harm caused by a federal regulation. For example, if a federal regulation has a significant impact on a state’s economy or environment, the state may be able to demonstrate that it has standing to challenge the regulation Biden administration.
It’s worth noting that the issue of standing can be complex and nuanced, and courts will consider a variety of factors when determining whether or not a party has standing to bring a claim. Ultimately, the decision on whether or not plaintiff states have standing will depend on the specific legal arguments and evidence presented in each case Biden Administration.
What the Fifth Circuit Order Means Moving Forward
The Fifth Circuit Order refers to a decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which issued an order on August 21, 2021, that temporarily blocked the Biden administration’s pause on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters. The order was in response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of states, led by Louisiana and Texas, challenging the administration’s pause on new oil and gas leases.
Moving forward, the Fifth Circuit Order means that the Biden administration’s pause on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters is on hold, at least temporarily. The order prevents the administration from enforcing the pause until the legal challenge is resolved.
However, it’s important to note that the Fifth Circuit Order is not a final decision on the merits of the case. Rather, it is a temporary injunction that allows the parties to continue litigating the case while the pause remains on hold. The case will now proceed to the district court, where the parties will have an opportunity to present evidence and arguments in support of their respective positions.
It’s also worth noting that the Fifth Circuit Order only applies to the pause on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters. Other aspects of the Biden administration’s climate agenda, such as its proposed methane regulations and clean energy initiatives, are not affected by the order.
Overall, the Fifth Circuit Order is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the Biden administration’s climate policies, and its ultimate impact will depend on the outcome of the legal challenge.