Carbon neutrality in the United States refers to reducing
U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to the point where
carbon emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities strengthen the greenhouse effect, contributing to climate change. Most is carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels: coal, oil, and natural gas. The largest emitters include coal in China and larg ...
are neutral compared to the absorption of carbon dioxide, and often called "net zero". Like the
European Union, and countries worldwide, the United States has implemented
carbon neutrality measures and law reform at both federal and state levels:
*the Presidency has set a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% to 52% compared to 2005 levels by 2030, a carbon free power sector by 2035, and for the entire economy to be net zero by
2050
In contemporary history, the third millennium of the anno Domini or Common Era in the Gregorian calendar is the current millennium spanning the years 2001 to 3000 ( 21st to 30th centuries). Ongoing futures studies seek to understand what is ...
.
*by April 2023, 22 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico had set legislative or executive targets for clean power production.
*all cars or light vehicles will have zero emissions (i.e. no
internal combustion engine with gas or diesel) by 2035 in light duty vehicles, and no longer be bought by federal government by 2027.
*the
California Air Resources Board voted in 2022 to draft new rules banning gas furnaces and water heaters, and requiring zero emission appliances in 2030. By 2022, four states have gas bans in new buildings.
List of state clean electricity laws
The following is a list of measures to move to clean electricity in 22 states, plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico, dates, and the details of their laws.
Clean Energy States Alliance, Table of clean electricity goals
/ref>
Phase out of fossil fuel transport
California in 2020 set a 2035 target for all passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks to cease emissions. Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York State, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont also have laws for 2035.
Maine, Oregon, Washington have laws for 2030.
Phase out of gas boiler
California has proposed a ban on gas furnaces and heating or water systems and appliances.
See also
*Fossil fuel phase-out
Fossil fuel phase-out is the gradual reduction of the use and production of fossil fuels to zero.
It is part of the ongoing renewable energy transition. Current efforts in fossil fuel phase-out involve replacing fossil fuels with sustainab ...
*Phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles
Phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles means stopping selling and using vehicles which are powered by fossil fuels, such as gasoline (petrol), diesel, kerosene and fuel oil: it is one of the three most important parts of the general fossil fuel phase ...
* Phase-out of gas boilers
*Plastic bans
Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptabi ...
* Montreal Protocol
Notes
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External links
Clean Energy States Alliance, Table of clean electricity goals
Low-carbon economy
Technological phase-outs