In 2015, the global community finalized the Paris Agreement, a significant accord aimed at addressing climate change. President Biden rejoined this agreement on his first day in office and set ambitious targets for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, he submitted a nationally determined contribution (NDC) targeting a reduction of 50-52 percent by 2030 from the 2005 baseline.
Today, President Biden announced a new climate target for the United States: a 61-66 percent reduction in emissions by 2035 from 2005 levels. This goal aims to keep the country on track to achieve net-zero emissions by no later than 2050. The United States is submitting this new target to the United Nations Climate Change secretariat as its next NDC under the Paris Agreement.
The Biden-Harris Administration developed this target by analyzing various economic sectors such as power generation, transportation, and agriculture. The plan anticipates methane reductions of at least 35 percent from 2005 levels by 2035. Cutting methane emissions is considered one of the fastest ways to reduce near-term warming.
This announcement aligns with President Biden’s broader climate legacy focused on investment, innovation, job creation, cost reduction for Americans, and environmental justice. Federal, state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments are expected to work with civil society and the private sector to mobilize investment towards these goals.
Since announcing the initial NDC in April 2021, the U.S. has implemented a historic climate strategy that combines emissions reduction with economic growth. This includes passing landmark legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These measures have led to over $450 billion in private sector investment in clean energy projects across states like Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
The administration's efforts have resulted in falling costs for clean energy generation and infrastructure. Utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy prices have decreased significantly. Advances in battery storage technology have also driven down costs while increasing capacity.
Energy efficiency improvements are projected to save American consumers nearly $1 trillion over three decades while reducing greenhouse gas emissions substantially. Clean steel and concrete production methods are being developed to lower carbon footprints further.
Hydrogen fuel production costs are expected to decline significantly due to technological advancements and economies of scale. Electric vehicle adoption continues to rise as component prices fall.
State and local governments play crucial roles in implementing climate-forward policies such as renewable portfolio standards (RPSs), building energy codes, and low-carbon material procurement initiatives. Financing mechanisms supported by federal programs aim to expand access to clean technology projects nationwide.
Leadership across American society—including cities, states, Tribes—and partnerships between public entities and private sectors will drive continued progress toward building a sustainable clean energy economy domestically.
