The cornerstone of Biden’s climate plan is to ensure the US achieves a 100% clean energy economy and net zero emissions by 2050. This includes a goal to produce carbon-free electricity by 2035, investing heavily in wind and solar energy to get the nation to net zero. More than 60 US utility companies have already set their own emission reduction goals, but this ambition will need to be supported by federal backing if the US is to reach zero emissions power generation within 15 years.
While he has yet to detail exactly how these landmark goals might be achieved, Biden’s climate proposal includes an injection of $2 trillion into clean energy to help the US shift to zero carbon electricity by 2035. Areas of investment are likely to include making energy efficiency improvements to buildings, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, and offering financial incentives to consumers to purchase cleaner vehicles.
Other changes that will need to be implemented to reach net zero include:
- ensuring that all US government installations, buildings and facilities are more energy efficient
- helping consumers to save money and reduce emissions through new efficiency standards for appliances and buildings
- using the federal government procurement system to drive towards 100% clean energy and zero emission vehicles
- requiring public companies to disclose greenhouse gas emissions in their operations and supply chains