As concerns about environmental issues continue to grow, the United States has taken a number of steps to address them. One such action was the signing of the Paris Agreement, a global pact created to combat climate change. However, this commitment was revoked in 2017 by the Trump administration.
Despite this, several states in the US have continued to advocate for environmental conservation. In fact, many have joined forces to create partnerships and agreements to help protect the environment.
One such partnership is the United States Climate Alliance, formed in 2017, which is made up of 16 states and Puerto Rico. The alliance was formed to honor and uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement, even though the US as a whole is no longer part of it.
The alliance focuses on several key areas, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of clean energy, and improving the resiliency of communities to ensure they can better adapt to a changing climate.
Another significant agreement at the state level is the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), comprised of 10 Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. The RGGI is essentially a carbon cap-and-trade program that seeks to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
Through this program, participating states aim to reduce their carbon footprints while also promoting green energy and economic growth. Since its inception in 2009, RGGI has helped to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 45%.
In addition to these partnerships and agreements, many individual states have taken their own measures to protect the environment. For example, California has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2045, and its cap-and-trade program has been successful in driving down emissions.
Overall, despite the lack of a comprehensive national policy on environmental issues, many states and local governments are taking meaningful steps to protect our planet. These partnerships and initiatives are crucial in ensuring that progress is made towards a more sustainable future.