The Obama administration on Tuesday submit its plan for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by nearly a third over the next decade.
The U.S., as well as other nations, sent written plans to the United Nations outlining what laws they will pass and what emissions they will cut to be discussed at a summit in Paris in December.
“It's evidence once again how President Obama and the United States is leading the world to confront the challenge of climate change, and in light of today's announcement, we're confident that other countries will now step up and follow our lead,” White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.
The plan calls for higher efficiency standards on cars and trucks, improved energy-efficiency standards for buildings and reductions of HFCs and methane emissions.
Many of Obama’s plans face opposition by Republican lawmakers who do not support the president acting without their approval.
“Even if the job-killing and likely illegal Clean Power Plan were fully implemented, the United States could not meet the targets laid out in this proposed new plan,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. “Considering that two-thirds of the U.S. federal government hasn’t even signed off on the Clean Power Plan and 13 states have already pledged to fight it, our international partners should proceed with caution before entering into a binding, unattainable deal.”
Earnest scoffed at that.
“These are individuals who -- many of whom, at least, deny the fact that climate change even exists, so I'm not sure they would be in the best position to decide whether or not a climate- change agreement is one that is worth entering into,” he said.
The response from environmental groups was mixed.
Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club applauded the blueprint, calling it “clear, significant action to tackle the climate crisis and protect our children and grandchildren.” We’ve seen the effects of unmitigated carbon pollution take their toll around the world, but this announcement is further proof that the U.S. is stepping up to lead the world in pursuing solutions."
But Friends of the Earth Climate and Energy Program Director Benjamin Schreiber said the plan “moves us closer to the brink of global catastrophe, with increasing food and water shortages, conflict, climate exodus and the potential deaths of millions; particularly in countries least resourced to cope with the shocks of more intense weather patterns.”
The United States and China, the world’s two largest carbon emitters, reached a historic climate change deal in November. The U.S. committed to cut emissions by 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels by the year 2025.
Last year, nearly 200 nations – both rich and poor – agreed for the first time agreed to reduce the burning oil, gas and coal that lead to global warming.
“We know there is no way the United States--nor any other country--could possibly address climate change alone,” Secretary of State John Kerry said. “This is a global challenge, and an effective solution will require countries around the world to do their part to reduce emissions and bring about a global clean-energy future. That’s the only way we’ll meet this challenge, and it’s the only way we’ll honor our shared responsibility to future generations. “