Today, after President Biden announced new climate targets for the U.S. Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to reduce net emissions by 61-66 percent below 2005 levels in 2035 and the U.S. Climate Alliance of Governors announced new collective pollution reduction targets, state organizations from around the country weighed in to celebrate and stand ready to meet these new commitments:

“In this critical moment, California must once again rise to the occasion and lead the charge on climate action,” said Mike Young, California Environmental Voters, Executive Director. “President Biden’s emissions commitments reflect the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for bold, unified leadership at every level of government. As a state that has long set the standard for climate progress, California has both the responsibility and the opportunity to demonstrate how ambitious climate policies can drive innovation, create jobs, and safeguard our future. As the country prepares for the challenges of a hostile Administration and corporate polluter-friendly Supreme Court next year, California is called to lead not only through policy but by empowering communities, supporting equity, and showing that ambitious climate action can benefit everyone.”

“Colorado has been a leader in climate action, prioritizing renewable energy, implementing groundbreaking methane rules and is on track to lead the nation in EV sales in 2025,” said Katie Belgard, Vice President of Programs at Conservation Colorado. “Gov. Polis’ recently released Transportation Vision 2035 is crucial for reducing emissions, as transportation is the largest source of pollution in Colorado. This plan aims to expand transit service by 83%, cycling infrastructure by 81% and sidewalks by 3.4%, nearly doubling transit ridership while cutting vehicle emissions by 2035. Investing in public transit, housing near transit and better transportation infrastructure will create vibrant, connected communities, reduce pollution and protect public health. Colorado is proving that when states lead, everyone benefits.” 

 “Connecticut’s legislative representatives remain committed to delivering a healthier, more economically resilient future for our state,” said Mike Urgo, President Connecticut LCV. “While past efforts have laid the groundwork, 2025 will be the year to take bold, decisive action with clean energy legislation that creates jobs, cuts pollution, and saves ratepayers money. Clean energy investments are the most efficient and affordable path to achieving these goals. We stand united with leaders in Connecticut and across the nation who are determined to take the necessary steps to secure a cleaner, healthier future for all.”

“Once again, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker demonstrates his national climate leadership with a continued commitment to a clean energy future that works for everyone,” said Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “In 2025, Illinois will build on his legacy, racing forward to secure the next phase of leading climate policy and a clean, healthy, reliable, and equitable economy for all.”

“Governor Mills has used the past 6 years to protect Maine’s climate future through her nation-leading heat pump initiative and innovation in the offshore wind sector,” said Lucy Hochshartner, Climate & Clean Energy Director for Maine Conservation Voters. “Her administration, our local governments, and Maine citizens have every intention of deepening this commitment, which is why we are working to pass legislation this session to ensure that we reach 100% clean electricity by 2040. Clean energy has already saved Mainers $21 million in net electricity costs annually, and increasing our ambition will reduce our dependence on volatile and expensive fossil fuels, while working to protect communities from further extreme weather.” 

“We are proud to call New Jersey home and we applaud Governor Murphy for his unwavering commitment to fighting for our clean energy future,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “The Governor committed New Jersey by executive order to one of the most aggressive climate goals in the nation, 100% clean energy by 2035, which the legislature urgently needs to codify into law. Actions like Governor Murphy’s aren’t just necessary to protect our climate – they will also create tens of thousands of family sustaining jobs and improve air quality, especially in Black or brown communities that have borne the brunt of dirty fossil fuel generation. That’s why we know in 2025, with Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey will keep setting the bar higher for the nation and commit us to 100% clean energy by 2035.”

“With the impacts of climate change growing each year –  in both frequency and devastation – we cannot afford to backtrack on our clean energy progress,” Julie Tighe, President New York LCV. “Thanks to the historic investments from the Biden administration, the commitment of the US Climate Alliance, and the bold leadership of Governor Hochul our transition to a clean energy future will continue to march forward.”

“This news from the Biden administration highlights the importance of continuing to boost clean energy at the state and local level even as we fight against expected anti-environmental policies from the incoming MAGA administration,” said Molly Parzen, Executive Director of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania. “In Pennsylvania, we need policies that jumpstart economic growth and create union jobs by positioning us to be leaders in building a 21st century clean energy economy. We look forward to working with Governor Shapiro and our partners in the Pennsylvania legislature on a forward-looking agenda in the next legislative session.”

“Gov. Tony Evers has proven his commitment to a cleaner, brighter future for everyone in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Conservation Voters Executive Director Kerry Schumann. “Since taking office, Gov. Evers has laid out his plans to move Wisconsin to carbon neutrality and has successfully used the Inflation Reduction Act to make progress toward that goal. Gov. Evers has a leading role in the U.S. Climate Alliance, has a clean energy plan for the state, and formed an office of environmental justice to better realize his vision for a cleaner future that doesn’t leave anyone behind. This fight will now depend on states working together in the face of a pro-polluter federal government focused on getting more coal and gas plants online. We will work to support Gov. Evers in his climate leadership roles here in Wisconsin and at the national level.”