President Joe Biden revealed a new goal to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% by 2035, surpassing the previous target of cutting carbon emissions by at least half by 2030.
This ambitious goal aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions nationwide by 2050.
The big picture: In his address, Biden touted his administration’s comprehensive climate agenda, emphasizing initiatives such as deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power and conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
- The administration has also implemented stringent standards to reduce air pollution from vehicles, trucks, and power plants while enacting substantial investments in climate and clean energy programs.
What we’re watching: As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, he plans to reverse many of Biden’s climate policies, emphasizing a push for “energy dominance” through increased production of fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal.
- Trump is expected to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accord, repeal parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, and potentially dismantle components of Biden’s climate agenda.
Zoom in: The proposed emissions reduction plan requires substantial changes across various sectors of the economy, including power generation, transportation, buildings, agriculture, and industry.
- Key components of the plan involve significant expansions in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, as well as substantial cuts in emissions from fossil fuel sources such as oil and coal.
