The US aims for a reduction of 50-52% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels, creating a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by no later than 2050, a statement from the White House said Thursday.
The new emissions-cutting target announcement came before the Leaders' Summit on Climate that President Joe Biden is holding with 40 leaders from around the world to combat climate change.
The US, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement during the previous administration under Donald Trump, rejoined the pact on day one of Biden's presidency and set a course for reaching net-zero emissions economy-wide by no later than 2050.
"There are multiple paths to reach these goals, and the US federal, state, local, and tribal governments have many tools available to work with civil society and the private sector to mobilize investment to meet these goals while supporting a strong economy," the statement said.
The US's new target prioritizes "creating millions of good-paying, middle class, union jobs" in clean and efficient infrastructure, electric vehicles, carbon capture and hydrogen technologies, the White House said.
According to the statement, the target is consistent with the President’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050 and of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as the science demands.
The National Climate Task Force will develop a national climate strategy to be issued later this year by determining standards, incentives and support programs to achieve the targets.
The country, to reach 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035, will benefit from carbon capture and energy storage technologies and existing nuclear capacity.
"The US can reduce carbon pollution from the transportation sector by reducing tailpipe emissions and boosting the efficiency of cars and trucks, providing funding for charging infrastructure and spurring research, development, demonstration, and deployment efforts that drive forward very low carbon new-generation renewable fuels for applications like aviation, and other cutting-edge transportation technologies across modes," the statement said.
It added that the US would also reduce non-CO2 greenhouse gases, including methane, hydrofluorocarbons and other potent short-lived climate pollutants.
Reducing these pollutants will deliver fast climate benefits, and through investments in innovation, reliable and resilient clean technologies and infrastructure will be improved, the statement said.
By Nuran Erkul Kaya
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr