One Month Before Trump Takes Office, Outgoing President Biden Sets New U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets for 2035
The United States plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 61-66% compared to 2005 levels by 2035, according to the latest climate target announced by the outgoing Biden administration. This ambitious goal builds upon the administration’s 2030 objective of a 50-52% reduction. However, the promise could become a fleeting aspiration with Donald Trump’s expected return to the White House on January 20, 2025.
The Uncertainty of a Trump Presidency
President-elect Trump has declared his intention to reverse many of the climate and energy transition policies enacted under the Democrats. His plans include an immediate withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and possibly even the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
What would this mean in practical terms? Exiting the Paris Agreement would free the U.S. from its obligation to present a 2035 greenhouse gas reduction target. Without this framework, the ambitious climate goals could lose their footing entirely.
From a policy perspective, however, the outlook may not be as bleak. According to White House officials, while Trump could roll back federal laws, state-level legislation and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) could still facilitate significant progress toward the 61-66% reduction.
“Our investments under this administration are enduring and will continue to benefit our economy and climate for years to come, allowing us to set an ambitious and achievable 2035 target,” said John Podesta, Biden’s international climate policy advisor.
Where Do the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Stand Today?
In reality, the United States is not currently on track to meet its 2030 emissions target. Without additional policy interventions, emissions reductions by 2035 are projected to reach just 46%—falling short of both the 2030 and 2035 goals. Achieving these targets will undoubtedly require new and decisive political action.
Challenges on the Road to 2035
The skepticism extends to organizations like Climate Action Network, which underscores that meeting the 2035 goal will require overcoming substantial challenges. Achieving this target hinges on “unprecedented coordination across all levels of government and the private sector,” the NGO states.
Moreover, critical gaps remain in the Biden administration’s plan. For instance, the roadmap for systematically phasing out fossil fuels is incomplete, leaving a major question mark over the feasibility of these bold objectives.
