U.S. raises ambition in updated Nationally Determined Contribution, providing helpful measuring stick for climate progress
WASHINGTON – Today, the Biden administration announced a new climate target for the U.S. to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 as a part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, including for the first time an expected reduction in methane emissions. The new target: 61-66% reduction in 2035 from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions with an anticipated reduction of methane emissions by at least 35% from 2005 levels in 2035.
“The new U.S. NDC for 2035 provides a helpful measuring stick for U.S. climate progress,” said Conrad Schneider, Senior Director, U.S., at Clean Air Task Force (CATF). “The updated goal reflects just how far recent policy progress has brought us, and how far we stand to fall if we abandon those policies. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act have supercharged American innovation and investment, making clean energy technologies more affordable and bringing more energy options to market. The 2035 NDC reflects increased ambition consistent with the progress already made across sectors, from power to transportation to industry and more. Across the country, we’ve also seen unprecedented climate action taken by states to bolster local economies and workforces – with much of these actions supported by federal investment in a variety of carbon-free technologies. But the work is far from over. We need continued policy and regulatory action to reduce carbon and methane emissions and sustained commitment from states and the incoming administration to achieve our climate goals and remain competitive on the global stage. As the administration changes, we need an approach from both sides of the aisle and find common ground for common benefit.”
The NDC is also significant for its explicit mention of its expected reduction in methane emissions through full implementation of Biden administration policies and announcements in combination with action by states.
“Drastically cutting methane emissions continues to offer one of the clearest paths to slowing climate change in our lifetimes and keeping our climate goals within reach. The NDC highlights anticipated methane reductions by 35% by 2035, a strong down payment on what’s necessary to bend the curve on climate in our lifetimes,” said Jonathan Banks, Global Director, Methane Pollution Prevention at CATF. “Calling out methane specifically in its updated NDC sends a strong signal to other countries about the immense opportunity presented by methane reductions and complements the Global Methane Pledge, which over 150 countries have made commitments to. As momentum builds for methane action globally, now is not the time to slow down – and the United States needs to continue playing an active role.”
Press Contact
Samantha Sadowski, Communications Manager, U.S., ssadowski@catf.us, +1 202-440-1717
About Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With more than 25 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.
