Climate Change vs. Presidential Cabinet | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Climate Change vs. Presidential Cabinet

An environmental investigation and analysis into the people nominated.

13
Climate Change vs. Presidential Cabinet

**This article was written on 01/17/17 so if some candidates have change their status it will not be mentioned**

On January 20th, 2017 Donald Trump will be the President of the United States that no one saw coming. Many people wait with anticipation to see what happens to the country under his rule. The one thing I am curious about is the environment. President Trump is all for business and usually people do not believe it can exist in peace with a healthy environment. So I decided to take a look at those nominated to the cabinet that could effect the natural state of the USA.

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Scott Pruitt (Nominee)

The role of EPA Administrator is to regulate things such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and more. The effects of pollution do effect the environment but it also effects our health via interaction (what we eat, drink, exposed to, etc). For example, the Clean Water Act makes sure that you are not drinking water mixed with Clorox someone poured down the drain.

Immediately when I looked him up, I saw that he sued the EPA 13 times, has close ties to the fossil fuel industry, and is a climate change denier according to a Huffington Post article.

Please watch this John Oliver segment. It's too funny


Secretary of Energy: Rick Perry (Nominee)

"The Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for advancing the national, economic and energy security of the United States through the implementation of policies regarding nuclear power, fossil fuels, and alternative energy sources". http://www.allgov.com/departments/department-of-energy?detailsDepartmentID=565

Perry is on the board of directors of Energy Transfer Partners constructing the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Even though I may not agree with the DAPL, this is not the worst guy for the job. He clearly has experience and is going to provide energy security with an alternative resource (natural gas). Does it disregard the areas he is disrupting? No that is sacred land, but that should be someone else's job to figure out how to make it work.

I understand why he was chosen but the planning of the pipeline might need revision for environmental and cultural purposes. After all it is a useful transition resource. Ween the nation of off oils to natural gas that produces 2x more energy and 2x less pollution. The actual process of fracking, however, has to be improved to decrease the likability of water pollution.


Secretary of State: Rex Tillerson (Nominee)

Tillerson's job description is along the lines of international affairs, however he has been a controversial figure due to being the Chairman, President, and CEo of Exxon Mobile. Also, the United States is one of the leading emitters of Greenhouse Gases, which effects people around the world.

Chairman, President and CEO of Exxon Mobile. According to npr.org, Tillerson is cutting his ties with Exxon Mobile and has promised to not return to that industry for 10 years. If he violates the agreement, the money from his shares will be donated to charity. Be selling, Tillerson's trust will be 7 million, which is a lot for a common person, but he would have had a retirement package of 180 million if he had retired this March. He seems to be making sacrifices of money, so I am hopeful that his best interest is for the country and not his wallet. I mean he has so much money that he does not even have to worry.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196124
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18402
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460518
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28121
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments