Last week Joe Biden outlined his plan to get the United States to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To reach that goal, Biden proposes setting a goal of attaining a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 (npr.org). An ambitious goal considering coal and natural gas currently account for 60% of the sector (nytimes.com). This goal would be achieved through the installation of new solar and wind power, through the continued use of already existing nuclear power, and through investment in and encouragement of the use of carbon-capturing technology. Biden proposes paying for the plan by using a yet to be determined amount of stimulus money and by increasing the corporate income tax rate by 7 points, taking it from 21% to 28%.
Biden also proposes establishing an office of environmental and climate justice within the Justice Department to address the ways that many previous environmental plans and policies have disproportionately harmed many already disadvantaged populations. Additionally, Biden announced that these populations would receive 40% of the benefits from his energy and infrastructure policies.
Biden’s plan has been criticized by some as unrealistic and of course, he would have to get elected before he can even attempt to implement it. It is still a long way to November and the election, however, many were surprised and encouraged by both the breadth, the depth, and the ambitious nature of Biden’s plan. You can check out the whole plan here.
