20 States Leading the Charge in Climate Action in the U.S.

With climate change becoming an increasingly pressing issue, some U.S. states are taking the lead with innovative and ambitious climate policies. Here are 20 states making significant strides in climate action, detailing how they’re doing it and the key players involved.

1. California

California has set a target for 100% clean electricity by 2045 and is actively phasing out gasoline-powered cars by 2035. Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Air Resources Board are pivotal in pushing these aggressive climate policies.

2. New York

New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates net-zero emissions by 2050. Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) are key in driving these initiatives.

3. Washington

Washington has committed to a 100% clean energy grid by 2045 and has implemented one of the first state-wide carbon pricing systems. Governor Jay Inslee, a long-time climate advocate, is leading these efforts.

4. Oregon

Oregon has enacted a Clean Energy Standard aiming for 100% clean electricity by 2040. Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Department of Energy are central to these plans.

5. Colorado

Colorado’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap aims for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are spearheading these efforts.

6. Massachusetts

Massachusetts plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and is investing heavily in offshore wind energy. Governor Maura Healey and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs are driving these policies.

7. Michigan

Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan sets the state on a path to carbon neutrality by 2050. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy are key to this initiative.

8. New Jersey

New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan aims for 100% clean energy by 2050 and includes robust offshore wind projects. Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities are at the forefront of these efforts.

9. Virginia

Virginia Clean Economy Act mandates 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045 for the state’s two largest utilities. Governor Glenn Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality are integral to these initiatives.

10. Hawaii

Hawaii is on track to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045, driven by strong legislative mandates. Governor Josh Green and the Hawaii State Energy Office are leading these efforts.

11. Minnesota

Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act targets an 80% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050. Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are key players.

12. Maryland

Maryland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act aims to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030. Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of the Environment are driving these policies.

13. Maine

Maine has committed to carbon neutrality by 2045 and is investing in climate resilience and renewable energy. Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection are crucial to these efforts.

14. Nevada

Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard aims for 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy are central to these initiatives.

15. Illinois

Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act sets a path for 100% clean energy by 2050. Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are leading these efforts.

16. North Carolina

North Carolina’s Clean Energy Plan aims for a 70% reduction in power sector emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Governor Roy Cooper and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality are pivotal.

17. Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s Act on Climate mandates net-zero emissions by 2050. Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management are key.

18. Connecticut

Connecticut’s Global Warming Solutions Act sets aggressive targets for greenhouse gas reductions. Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection are crucial.

19. Vermont

Vermont’s Global Warming Solutions Act requires significant emissions reductions and investments in renewable energy. Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources are leading these efforts.

20. New Mexico

New Mexico’s Energy Transition Act targets 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Environment Department are at the forefront.

Leading the Charge

These states demonstrate that proactive climate policies are not just possible but are actively being implemented across the U.S. From ambitious renewable energy targets to innovative legislative measures, these states are setting the standard for climate action. It’s crucial that we support and expand these efforts to ensure a sustainable future for all.

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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.