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Joe Biden ran as a climate candidate. His actions may tell a different story. : The Indicator from Planet Money As a presidential candidate, Joe Biden promised to make climate change a major priority, But since taking office, President Joe Biden seems pretty friendly to the fossil fuel industry. What gives?

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The Indicator from Planet Money

President Biden: Climate champion or fossil fuel friend?

By 

Nate Hegyi

, 

, 

Noah Glick

, 

President Biden: Climate champion or fossil fuel friend?

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US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on efforts to lower high gas prices in the South Court Auditorium at Eisenhower Executive Office Building June 22, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on efforts to lower high gas prices in the South Court Auditorium at Eisenhower Executive Office Building June 22, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

As a candidate, Joe Biden ran on a climate-focused platform, promising a transition to a clean, carbon-neutral economy by 2050. But since taking office, the U.S. has doubled down on oil and gas production. Is President Biden being overly friendly to the fossil fuel industry? What gives?

We look at three potential gambles Biden may be making to make the green energy transition a reality. And yes, that means more drilling – for now.

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For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.