COLUMBIA, S.C. — Recent policies and energy innovations are reshaping America's energy landscape. With the U.S. joining the Paris Agreement, the following goals were set:
By 2030: Reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to 50–52% below 2005 levels
By 2035: Reach 100% carbon pollution-free electricity
By 2050: Achieving a net-zero emissions economy
Climate Central reports that before existing policies were implemented, the United States reduced greenhouse gas emissions by around 2% annually. The reduction rate accelerated to 4% each year after the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. However, this wasn't swift enough to align with the national targets set for the 2030 objective.
By 2035, the United States is estimated to potentially achieve a reduction of over 50% below 2005 levels under existing policies, according to Climate Central.
A rapid surge in solar and wind energy capacity is driving these goals. As projected by Princeton University research, a majority of states will surpass the 50% milestone in solar and wind energy production by 2035.
In addition to assisting national emissions targets, Climate Central reports that the expansion of solar and wind energy is expected to generate millions of new jobs in the U.S. by 2035, particularly in fields associated with solar energy and electricity transmission.