America is All in Unveils Clear and Actionable Blueprint to Cut U.S. Emissions in Half by 2030
Reaching America’s Paris Agreement Goals Will Require Robust Climate Action from Cities, States, Businesses, and Civil Society, Supported by Major Investment from Federal Government
Analysis Reveals Breakthrough Transportation and Power Policies Are Critical to Delivering on New U.S. NDC
Washington, D.C. and New York, NY — Today, America Is All In released a comprehensive set of specific policies and actions that can deliver on the United States’ commitment to reduce emissions 50 to 52 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. Based on deep and robust analytical methodology, “Blueprint 2030: An All-In Climate Strategy for Faster, More Durable Emissions Reductions” reveals how an all-of-society approach is the clearest path to successfully cutting U.S. emissions by at least 50 percent by 2030 and setting the stage for a fully decarbonized economy well in advance of mid-century.
America Is All In is the most expansive coalition of U.S. non-federal leaders ever assembled in support of climate action. Led by Michael R. Bloomberg, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions; Washington Governor Jay Inslee; Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles; and CommonSpirit Health CEO Lloyd H. Dean, America Is All In is working to accelerate the transition to a 100 percent clean energy economy and promote the leadership of non-federal actors in meeting the urgency of the climate crisis.
“In recent years, local leaders across the country stepped up to take on climate change when the White House would not. Together, cities, states, and businesses kept us on track to meet our commitments to the Paris Agreement. And now, even as our elected officials in Washington are working to take action, today’s report shows that local efforts remain as important as ever,” said Michael Bloomberg, U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions and Founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies. “The report details a wide range of proven actions to advance the climate fight – but local leaders can’t do it alone. We need smart federal investments and policies that help to support and expand work that is happening around the country. With federal partnership, we can secure a more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future for all.”
The report’s findings demonstrate that the U.S. goal of halving emissions by 2030 requires action at every level of government and every part of society across the transportation, power, building, and industrial sectors. While the Biden administration has made giant strides, it is facing a critical moment in pursuing its climate agenda. Congress is considering major investments through the bipartisan infrastructure bill and reconciliation package that together will fulfill the administration’s 2030 goals, and which include many of the priorities highlighted in Blueprint 2030, but the legislation is not yet across the finish line. Strong, well-funded climate provisions in the budget reconciliation legislation will provide the necessary springboard for the country to meet its 2030 goals, but we cannot get there without the continued leadership of non-federal actors. Cities, states, businesses, and civil society will be critical to reaching our national climate goals.
Blueprint 2030 demonstrates that these emission-cutting actions will bear economic and social benefits that are broadly shared across income levels and diverse communities. The blueprint identifies breakthrough policies in five key sectors that will lead us to our emission goals, accelerate the clean energy transition, and provide economic and social benefits at the same time:
Power – 83% emissions reduction from 2005 levels by 2030
- Mandate and incentivize 100% clean electricity by 2035 and 80% or more by 2030
- Procure 100% clean electricity on a 24/7/365 basis as soon as possible
Transportation: – 39% emissions from 2005 levels reduction by 2030
- Phase out internal combustion engines by 2035
- Double the federal investment in public transit, including $80 billion for passenger and freight rail
Buildings – 26% emissions reduction from 2005 levels by 2030
- Mandate and incentivize all-electric appliances and buildings by 2030
- Invest in building electrification and efficiency upgrades, with a priority for low and middle income housing
Industry – 22% emissions reduction from 2005 levels by 2030
- Increase carbon capture, utilization, and storage, including by increasing tax incentives to $85/ton or greater
- Reduce methane leakage by at least 60% by 2030
Natural and Working Lands – 12% emissions reductions from 2005 levels by 2030
- Incentivize nature-based solutions to increase annual carbon sequestration by 18%
- Expand city tree canopy coverage to 40%
To change the politics that prevent more ambitious federal standards, accelerated leadership from states, cities, businesses, and civil society is needed to create market pressures for more ambitious federal action, now and in the future. State, tribal, city, and business leaders are best positioned to raise the bar on climate ambition, test new ideas, and move further and faster than the federal government.
“Leaders outside of Washington, DC have been setting the pace on climate for decades,” said Kevin Kennedy, the report’s lead author and senior fellow at the World Resources Institute. “For example, the 2009 vehicle emission rules were a direct result of a dozen states setting ambitious standards and the federal government supporting them. This report highlights that reaching the Paris Agreement goals will require continued leadership from cities, states, and businesses, in addition to major investment from the federal government.
Governor Jay Inslee of Washington State, co-founder and co-chair of US Climate Alliance, said: “The all-of-society approach is not unique to the United States. In the lead up to the UN climate conference in Glasgow this November, cities, regions and businesses from around the world will join national leaders in declaring their own climate commitments. This report makes clear that we are facing an all hands on deck moment and the U.S. needs to be all in. I’m proud that U.S. governors are joining fellow local leaders overseas in taking decisive action to reduce global warming pollution. Now we just need strong partnership from our respective national leaders to get the job done.”
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said: “Cities are key actors in reaching national emissions reduction goals. We are also where federal policies are implemented to create healthy and equitable communities. Transitioning to a clean energy future improves the air we breathe, the job opportunities for our residents, and the health and safety of our neighborhoods. This report shows that as far as cities can take us on the road to net-zero, federal partnership can get us the rest of the way there. Charlotte is proud to lead the way.”
Lloyd H. Dean, CEO of CommonSpirit Health, said: “We’re at a critical moment for the planet and for the health and safety of every American. Governments around the globe are submitting their climate goals, and we know that we cannot sit on the sidelines as air pollution, heatwaves and compounding national disasters put lives at risk. Businesses play a crucial role in helping the U.S. deliver on its goals, and most importantly, protect the communities we serve.”
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About America Is All In
America Is All In is the most expansive coalition of leaders ever assembled in support of climate action in the United States. Mobilizing thousands of U.S. cities, states, tribal nations, businesses, schools, and faith, health, and cultural institutions, the coalition is focused on pushing and partnering with the federal government to develop an ambitious, all-in national climate strategy that meets the urgency of the climate crisis; scaling climate action around the country to accelerate the transition to a 100 percent clean energy economy; and promoting the leadership of non-federal actors on the world stage.
Led by the U.N. Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael R. Bloomberg, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and CEO of CommonSpirit Health Lloyd Dean, America Is All In is driving a nationwide movement to cut U.S. emissions in half or more by 2030 from 2005 levels and reach net zero emissions by 2050, while guarding against the impacts of climate disruption.
Alongside whole-of-government action on climate, America Is All In champions a whole-of-society mobilization to deliver the transformational change that science demands, with the goal of a healthy, prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future. To learn more or get involved, visit www.americaisallin.com. Twitter: @americaisallin #AmericaIsAllIn #AllInOnClimate
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 810 cities and 170 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2020, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.6 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
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