Biden to Commit to Major Emissions Reductions in Sweeping Climate Announcement

According to reports ahead of a global climate summit in Washington, President Joe Biden will announce Thursday that the United States will reduce global warming emissions 50 percent by 2030 as part of America's commitments under the newly rejoined Paris climate accords. This nearly doubles the target agreed to in 2015 by the Obama administration. The reductions will hinge on an accelerated transition to carbon-free electricity and the phase out of gas-powered vehicles.

Through their 100% Renewable Energy, Destination Zero Carbon and Transform Transportation campaigns, Environment America and U.S. PIRG have convinced dozens of states to increase the amount of power they get from solar and wind. They have helped convince five states to commit to 100 percent carbon free electricity, and have won pollution reduction programs to cut carbon emissions from power plants and cars in states across the country. This progress in the states has laid the groundwork for President Biden's ability to make such a bold national commitment.

Environment America President Wendy Wendlandt issued the following statement:

"Global warming is the existential challenge of our times, but we have more solutions at our fingertips than ever before. Rejoining the Paris agreement was just step one. Now the Biden administration has taken another big step by committing to cut global warming pollution in half by 2030. That's exactly the kind of bold leadership we need. But just as critical are the policies we implement to get there. We look forward to working with the administration and officials, businesses and other institutions across America to accelerate a rapid transition to renewable sources of energy and to facilitate faster and more widespread adoption of zero emissions electric vehicles."

U.S. PIRG President Faye Park issued the following statement:

"If we implement common sense climate solutions today, we can preserve a livable planet, clean air and clean water for generations to come. Reducing pollution from dirty energy sources and our transportation vehicles, like our cars, trucks and school buses, will not only lower climate emissions, but will also clear our air and promote healthier communities. With his proposal to halve emissions by 2030, President Biden is putting the health of Americans at the forefront. Under this plan, we will be well-positioned to take polluting cars off the road and get more people walking and biking. We must also replace dirty diesel school buses with all-electric ones to protect our kids' lungs. And we need to prioritize energy efficiency and renewable energy sources that keep our air clean. The American people want a healthier future, and we're glad to see President Biden take bold steps toward delivering one."