Carbon neutrality in the United States refers to reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to the point where carbon emissions are neutral compared to the absorption of carbon dioxide, and often called "net zero". Like the European Union, and countries worldwide, the United States has implemented carbon neutrality measures and law reform at both federal and state levels:
- the Presidency has set a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% to 52% compared to 2005 levels by 2030, a carbon free power sector by 2035, and for the entire economy to be net zero by 2050.[1]
- by April 2023, 22 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico had set legislative or executive targets for clean power production.[2]
- all cars or light vehicles will have zero emissions (i.e. no internal combustion engine with gas or diesel) by 2035 in light duty vehicles, and no longer be bought by federal government by 2027.[3]
- the California Air Resources Board voted in 2022 to draft new rules banning gas furnaces and water heaters, and requiring zero emission appliances in 2030.[4] By 2022, four states have gas bans in new buildings.[5]
List of state clean electricity laws
The following is a list of measures to move to clean electricity in 22 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico, dates, and the details of their laws.[6]
Phase out of fossil fuel transport
California in 2020 set a 2035 target for all passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks to cease emissions. Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York State, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont also have laws for 2035.
Maine, Oregon, Washington have laws for 2030.
Phase out of gas boiler
California has proposed a ban on gas furnaces and heating or water systems and appliances.
See also
Notes
- ^ FACT SHEET: President Biden to Catalyze Global Climate Action through the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate (April 20, 2023)
- ^ Clean Energy States Alliance, Table of clean electricity goals
- ^ Executive Order 14057
- ^ 'California plans to phase out new gas heaters by 2030' (23 September 2022) NPR
- ^ S&P Global (9 June 2022) Market Intelligence
- ^ Clean Energy States Alliance, Table of clean electricity goals
External links
- Clean Energy States Alliance, Table of clean electricity goals
