Horrific tornadoes recast climate debate: The Note

In the immediate aftermath of the devastation that occurred in Kentucky due to the tornadoes over the weekend, President Joe Biden didn't hesitate to go there.

The TAKE with Rick Klein

In the immediate aftermath of the devastation and death that occurred in Kentucky due to the tornadoes over the weekend, President Joe Biden didn't hesitate to go there. The question now, is whether he can bring a long-stalled debate over climate policy along with him.

Asked about whether climate change played a role in the unusually powerful December tornadoes that ripped through Kentucky, Biden said he thought it "obviously" had an impact in terms of intensity. His administration is already preparing new strategies to help communities handle what the FEMA director said Sunday will be "our new normal."

The tragedies struck at a critical moment for what would be the biggest ever U.S. investment in addressing climate change. The giant "Build Back Better" bill -- now awaiting action in the Senate -- includes $555 billion to cut fossil fuel emissions and help localities build in resilience to the impacts of more severe weather events.