United States United States

The United States falls five ranks to 57th in this year’s CCPI, with an overall very low rating.

As in the previous year, the US receives a very low in the GHG Emissions, Renewable Energy, and Energy Use categories. However, it receives a medium in Climate Policy.

The United States under the Biden administration signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. This new policy aims to halve GHG emissions by 2030 vs. 2005 levels. The US’s goal is to become net zero by 2050. The IRA has also led to significant investments in renewable energy and it supports energy efficiency measures.

Experts welcome the Inflation Reduction Act

The CCPI country experts welcome the IRA climate policies, but note that more concrete implementation policies will be needed to reach net zero. The Republican opposition and some Democrats are blocking stronger climate policy. Continuing domestic fossil fuel extraction is a significant weak point in US climate policy. The newly permitted oil drilling in Alaska is a glaring step backwards.

The US is among the 20 countries with the largest developed oil and gas reserves. It’s also among the nine countries responsible for 90% of global coal production. Moreover, the US plans to increase its gas and coal production by 2030. This is not compatible with the 1.5°C target.

Concrete phase-out goals for fossil fuels are needed

The CCPI experts demand concrete phase-out goals for fossil fuels and redirection of fossil fuel subsidies towards renewable energy, transport electrification, and energy efficiency projects.

The experts expect the IRA to set an example in international climate politics. If the act is implemented as planned, the United States will likely increase its ranking in future CCPI editions.

Key Outcomes

  • The United States falls five ranks to 57th in this year’s CCPI
  • The Biden administration signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022
  • Key demands: concrete phase-out goals for fossil fuels and redirection of fossil fuel subsidies towards renewable energy, transport electrification, and energy efficiency projects

 

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

Key Indicators

CCPI 2024: Target comparison