US Emissions and Climate Policy: National and State Trends

Abstract

Despite the United States’ active involvement in the global climate agenda, the country remains the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter globally, as well as the second-largest producer and consumer of energy. The nation’s climate policies are characterized by instability and variation due to alternating presidential administrations with different political affiliations. In this context, it becomes relevant to explore the regional aspects of the US decarbonization, as well as the influence of regional features on overall GHG emissions. The distinctive characteristics of the United States’ territory are fundamental in assessing the success of decarbonization efforts, which can only be achieved through a well-balanced and evenly distributed approach.

While significant progress has been made toward adopting RES, the speed and nature of this transition vary significantly across different states, resulting in a fragmented national landscape. Regional disparities in economic priorities and access to energy resources often outweigh the influence of political alignment, with neither economic growth nor party affiliation having a decisive impact on reducing emissions. This reflects a historical trend in which emissions reductions are driven more by natural resources and power and industrial technologies rather than by climate policies. Thus, the overall challenge remains: the slow and unambitious approach taken by the nation and its states in their climate actions.