As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office, his administration has unveiled an ambitious climate plan aimed at reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 61% to 66% below 2005 levels by 2035, with a long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This new commitment updates the previous target of a 50% to 52% reduction by 2030, showcasing an intensified effort to address the escalating climate crisis. These goals underscore Biden’s legacy as a strong advocate for environmental policy, despite facing significant political and industrial challenges throughout his tenure. Key initiatives include stricter pollution controls through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and historic investments in clean energy infrastructure.
Even as the next administration signals potential rollbacks of federal climate measures, Biden’s updated targets are expected to serve as a guiding framework for state governments, local leaders, and private sectors to sustain momentum. EPA Administrator Michael Regan, who also announced his resignation, highlighted milestones like California’s clean car standards banning gasoline-only vehicle sales by 2035. With the federal future of climate policy uncertain, Biden’s bold objectives aim to empower decentralized and private climate efforts to drive long-term change. More