With only weeks left in office, President Joe Biden has announced a bold new target to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% by 2035, cementing his administration’s legacy as a leader in climate action. This move comes as a direct challenge to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has signaled plans to prioritize fossil fuel expansion and roll back climate policies. Here’s what Biden’s new climate goal means and the stakes for America’s environmental future.
The New National Climate Goal
Biden’s updated target, formally known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, aims to cut U.S. emissions by 61% to 66% below 2005 levels by 2035.
- Why It’s Important:
This ambitious goal represents an escalation from Biden’s previous target of a 50% to 52% reduction by 2030. - Global Implications:
By submitting the new NDC to the United Nations, Biden aims to solidify America’s leadership in global climate action, encouraging other nations to follow suit.
Trump’s Fossil Fuel Plans: A Sharp Contrast
In stark contrast to Biden’s climate-forward policies, President-elect Trump has indicated plans to:
- Withdraw from Climate Agreements:
Trump may pull the U.S. not only from the Paris Agreement but also the foundational UN treaty on emissions. - Maximize Fossil Fuel Use:
Plans include expanding gas-fired power plants, loosening fuel-efficiency standards, and revoking Biden-era regulations. - Dismantle Biden’s Climate Agenda:
Trump’s team has promised to terminate the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), branding it as the “Green New Scam.”
Key Biden Achievements on Climate
Despite Trump’s impending return to the Oval Office, Biden’s administration has left an indelible mark on climate policy:
- Inflation Reduction Act (IRA):
- Provided tax credits for renewable energy projects, electric vehicles, and nuclear energy.
- Boosted manufacturing for clean energy technologies, including solar panels, batteries, and wind turbines.
- Energy Department Investments:
- Billions allocated to keep nuclear plants open and fund emerging carbon-capture technologies.
- Significant investments in battery manufacturing and renewable energy projects in Republican-led states.
- Clean Energy Growth:
- Nearly 96% of new electricity capacity added to the grid in 2024 was clean energy.
- Offshore wind farms and battery production ramped up significantly.
Challenges Ahead Under Trump
Trump’s second term could significantly hinder progress:
- Reduced Emission Cuts:
Analyses suggest Trump’s policies could limit emission reductions to just 28% below 2005 levels by 2030, compared to the IRA’s potential for a 40% reduction. - Rollback of Federal Action:
Key climate measures, such as tax incentives and regulatory standards, are likely to face dismantling under Trump.
State and Local Leadership to the Rescue?
Biden’s team remains optimistic that subnational efforts will continue to drive climate progress even without federal support.
- Historical Precedent:
After Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2017, states like California, Washington, and New York enacted policies to align with global climate goals. - Biden’s Call to Action:
“Subnational leaders in the United States can continue to show the world that American climate leadership is determined by so much more than whoever sits in the Oval Office,” said John Podesta, Biden’s climate adviser.
The Importance of Biden’s New Target
By setting an ambitious 2035 emissions goal, Biden hopes to:
- Inspire Future Action: Serve as a “North Star” for state, local, and private sector efforts.
- Bolster Global Leadership: Encourage other nations to adopt stronger climate targets.
- Create Economic Opportunities: Highlight the job-creating potential of a clean energy transition.
Conclusion
Biden’s updated climate goal underscores his administration’s commitment to addressing the existential threat of climate change. While Trump’s incoming administration poses significant challenges, Biden’s legacy may still influence the trajectory of U.S. climate action through state and local efforts, private sector innovation, and public support.
The stakes are high, but Biden’s ambitious vision sets the stage for America to remain a leader in the fight against climate change—regardless of who occupies the Oval Office.
