Last updated on: 7/23/2020 12:50:10 PM PST
Should the US Move toward 100% Clean Energy and Net-Zero Emissions?
In order to combat climate change, many jurisdictions and companies have committed to transitioning away from fossil fuel energy and toward clean energy in the coming years. The goal is frequently 100% clean energy and net-zero emissions. Portland and Multnomah County, Oregon, were the first to commit to 100% clean energy in June 2017. As of Dec. 20, 2019, six states committed to 50% clean energy, one to 75%, and eight states, DC, and Puerto Rico all committed via legislation to at least 50% clean energy. Collectively these jurisdictions represent 28% of all electricity demand in the US. Four other states have committed to 100% via executive order
At least 95 major companies including Apple, Coca-Cola, Facebook, Nike, and Starbucks, and 15 major ultiliy companies have also committed to clean energy or net-zero emissions goals.
Sources: Lori Bird and Tyler Clevenger, "2019 Was a Watershed Year for Clean Energy Commitments from U.S. States and Utilities," wri.org, Dec. 20, 2019
Climate Solutions, "100% Clean," climatesolutions.org (accessed July 22, 2020)
Pro (Yes)
Pro
"Getting to a 100% clean energy economy is not only an obligation, it’s an opportunity. We should fully adopt a clean energy future, not just for all of us today, but for our children and grandchildren, so their tomorrow is healthier, safer, and more just.
As president, Biden will lead the world to address the climate emergency and lead through the power of example, by ensuring the U.S. achieves a 100% clean energy economy and net-zero emissions no later than 2050."
Source: Joe Biden, "Climate: Joe's Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice," joebiden.com (accessed July 21, 2020)
Pro
- "Zero-to-Negative Carbon Emissions by 2030
- 100% Clean Energy by 2030"
Source: Howie Hawkins, "Platform Summary," howiehawkins.us (accessed July 21, 2020)
Pro
"Yes. Protecting the environment is a key element of my campaign, and critical to a future world that is free, prosperous, safe, and at peace. Cronyism and federal subsidies have warped the economics of energy production and made it difficult to reduce our use of fossil fuels.
But we have a recipe for 100% clean, zero-emission energy: nuclear power. We haven’t had a new nuclear power plant in this country in 30 years. The rest of the world is way ahead on this. We’re losing all the benefit of modern technology and the emissions-free energy that nuclear power can produce.
Many attempts at environmental reform have actually slowed our progress, bogging down innovation in cronyism and inefficiencies. I want a level playing field for energy production - voters and consumers can choose the low-emission solutions that will realistically improve our economy AND our planet."
Source: Communication from the Jorgensen campaign to ProCon.org on Sep. 8, 2020.
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None Found
No position found as of July 24, 2020.
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