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U.S. green groups say honeymoon is over, turn up heat on Biden

(Reuters, 7 Dec 2020) Biden faces criticism over potential cabinet picks linked to the fossil fuel industry, and pressure to move fast on his environmental agenda.

U.S. environmental groups that poured money and effort behind Democrat Joe Biden's successful run for president are shifting to a new more adversarial role now that he has been elected, launching a pressure campaign to make sure he delivers on his promises to fight climate change.

The dynamic reflects a return to influence for environmental advocacy groups after four years in which they were shut out by the administration of President Donald Trump, a climate skeptic who crafted policies to maximize U.S. fossil fuel development with the help of industry.

While Biden united a range of groups from youth activists to labor unions behind his presidential campaign, he has already become the target of some green groups for considering cabinet picks with ties to fossil fuels. He will be under constant pressure in office to move fast on his environmental agenda - potentially more than ex-President Barack Obama was during his tenure.

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Reuters, 7 Dec 2020: U.S. green groups say honeymoon is over, turn up heat on Biden