A new target for the U.S. to achieve a 50% to 52% reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2030 has been set by President Biden. The target is in accord with the goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by no later than 2050 and of limiting global warming to 1.5° C.

In the transportation sector, achieving the target will entail further reducing tailpipe emissions and boosting the efficiency of cars and trucks, funding for charging infrastructure and developing new renewable fuels for aviation, land vehicles and the marine sector. The policy also advocated deploying carbon pollution-free electricity generating resources, transmission, and energy storage in line with realizing 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035. Retrofits to accelerate building electrification and the uptake of carbon capture technology by industrial facilities are recommended.

The U.S. is also expected to reduce non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases, including methane, hydrofluorocarbons and other potent short-lived climate pollutants.

According to the most recent GHG inventory from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, national GHG emissions in 2019 (after accounting for sequestration from the land sector) totaled 5,769 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and were 13% below 2005 levels.