The Senate has confirmed two of President Joe Biden’s nominees for economic posts, and the administration expects a faster rollout of COVID-19 vaccine. Clean energy matters are gaining precedence in the oil industry, but challenges remain for expanding renewable options in the United States.
National
The Senate has confirmed two members of President Joe Biden’s economic team. Gina Raimondo, who had been serving as governor of Rhode Island, was approved as commerce secretary in an 84-15 vote while Cecilia Rouse, a Princeton University economist, was confirmed as chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers in a 95-4 vote.
Biden has moved up his timeline for when he expects the United States to have enough COVID-19 vaccine to supply the nation’s adult population as a third vaccine becomes available and production ramps up. Although the administration previously expected to reach this target by the end of July, Biden now expects that it will be achieved by the end of May.
Business trends
Changing discussions at a big oil conference in Texas reflects how the oil industry is increasingly taking on clean energy topics. This year’s CERAWeek focused on topics such as carbon capture and renewable energy, with Bill Gates promoting investments in clean tech startups.
An Associated Press article highlights some of the challenges the Biden administration faces in making its clean energy goals a reality. These include disruptions caused by the pandemic and the necessity for costly investments in transmission infrastructure.
