Federal Government Sets New Climate Goals for US

The federal government has formally submitted to the United Nations a new target for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions before President Joe Biden’s term ends in January. The White House said on Dec. 19 that it aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 61 to 66 percent from the 2005 baseline by 2035, compared to the previous goal of a 50 percent reduction by 2030. The new target, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), is expected to keep the United States on track “to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, economy-wide, by no later than 2050,” according to a White House fact sheet. “I’m proud that my administration is carrying out the boldest climate agenda in American history,” outgoing President Biden said in a video message....