President Biden announces greenhouse gas reduction and job creation

Posted April 23, 2021

President Biden used Earth Day 2021 as an opportunity to release the Administration’s next step in greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction while focusing on related “green job” creation. In the announcement, President Biden introduced a GHG reduction target of 50-52 percent reduction of emissions by 2030 (below a 2005 emission level). The press release highlights progress that has been made, by states, tribes, and local governments, and the plan to build on those efforts. Last, the announcement focuses on creating working-class jobs in industries that support meeting this new 2030 target.

The approach includes a whole-of-government approach, including efforts to create opportunity for workers of all sorts – utility workers who will convert the grid to renewal power, manufacturing front-line employees who will create clean equipment and vehicle, engineers who will design new technologies, and more. The Biden Administration’s announcement introduces four components that will link the economy with carbon reduction: infrastructure innovation, economic recovery that creates jobs, prioritizing clean air and water, and increase domestic manufacturing.

The National Climate Task Force is expected to issue a national climate strategy later this year, with more detailed standards, incentives and programs that will lead the nation toward the 2030 goal and in turn, the net zero by 2050 commitment.

This article was written by Rachel Krubsack of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.