Search Climate Insights Directory

The document outlines a strategy for the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stating that a 26 percent reduction below 2005 levels by 2025 is achievable through a comprehensive approach including the Clean Power Plan. It identifies the power sector as the primary opportunity for reductions, potentially reaching 30 percent by 2025 if policies are strengthened or renewable costs decline. For longer-term goals, the paper argues that Congressional action, specifically a national carbon price, could enable reductions of 40-42 percent by 2030 and 50-53 percent by 2040.

The United States proposed greenhouse gas reduction targets of 17% by 2020 and 26-28% by 2025 relative to 2005 levels. WRI analysis suggests these targets are achievable through the aggressive implementation of federal and state policies, including President Obama's Climate Action Plan. However, further significant action is required to align the U.S. trajectory with a 2°C long-term goal.

The analysis indicates that while existing federal and state tools can achieve significant emissions reductions, they are insufficient to meet the U.S. Copenhagen pledge of a 17 percent reduction below 2005 levels by 2020, or the IPCC's mid-century targets to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. The report highlights the Clean Air Act and Department of Transportation fuel efficiency authority as key federal tools, noting that non-energy emissions reductions can be achieved without increasing energy prices. To reach a 2050 reduction goal of 80 to 95 percent, the report argues that Congress and states must augment existing regulatory tools.

The report argues that while new federal legislation will eventually be necessary to achieve the 80 percent emissions reductions needed to mitigate severe climate impacts, the U.S. Administration can meet its 2020 commitment of reducing emissions to 17 percent below 2005 levels through 'go-getter' actions. Key opportunities include using the Clean Air Act to target power plants and natural gas systems, and utilizing the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act to eliminate hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). State-level actions in energy efficiency, renewables, and transportation are also identified as essential complements to federal efforts.

The document argues that reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs)—specifically methane, hydrofluorocarbons, black carbon, and tropospheric ozone—is critical for staying within a 1.5°C temperature rise and avoiding climatic tipping points. It notes that these pollutants were frequently underrepresented in initial NDCs and suggests that strengthening future NDCs with SLCP-specific actions is essential for achieving the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

HFCs are a rapidly growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., with a projected 120% increase by 2030. While low-global warming potential (GWP) alternatives like HFOs and natural refrigerants exist and are used by some companies, market adoption is uneven due to high upfront costs and low consumer demand. The document recommends that the EPA use its SNAP program and Clean Air Act authority to phase out high-GWP HFCs and improve refrigerant recovery, while advocating for a global phase-down through the Montreal Protocol.

The American Power Act (APA) proposes a comprehensive US framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a mandatory cap-and-trade system, targeted emission reduction goals, and strategic investments in clean energy. The bill establishes a phased-in cap on covered gases, starting in 2013 and reaching an 83 percent reduction below 2005 levels by 2050. It includes specific provisions to expedite nuclear power development, deploy carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), and provide financial assistance to consumers and workers during the transition to a low-carbon economy. The APA also addresses international climate activities, including the use of international offsets and border adjustments to prevent carbon leakage.

The report assesses G20 countries' efforts to meet their Paris Agreement commitments, noting that while all have taken concrete actions, progress and ambition vary. Key highlights include India's aggressive solar targets, China's integration of environmental stewardship into its 13th Five-Year Plan, and Indonesia's peatland restoration efforts. However, challenges remain, such as Turkey's planned expansion of coal power and Saudi Arabia's lack of a formal 2030 GHG target.