The White House Effect delves into the pivotal moments of the late 1980s and early 1990s when the U.S. government stood at the crossroads of decisive climate action. Utilizing exclusively archival footage, the film chronicles the internal battles within the George H.W. Bush administration, highlighting the clash between Chief of Staff John Sununu and EPA Chief Bill Reilly. As President Bush grappled with mounting environmental concerns, the documentary reveals how political maneuvering and industry pressures led to missed opportunities, setting the stage for decades of climate policy stagnation.