Statement: Climate Mayors Welcome New U.S. National Determined Contribution (NDC) to Target 61-66% of National Emissions Reductions Putting U.S. Cities on a Path Towards Economic Prosperity

WASHINGTON, D.C.  (December 19, 2024) – To establish a new path forward in tackling climate change, the Biden Administration has released a new U.S. National Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 61-66% economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions reductions by 2035. On the ninth anniversary of the U.S. joining the Paris Agreement, Climate Mayors welcomes this latest target which will be essential in guiding national and local efforts to address the climate crisis head-on and ensuring America’s economic competitiveness globally. The new NDC sets a bold vision for reducing emissions, supporting clean energy growth, and building healthy communities. Cities and local leaders will be essential for delivering on this vision and pledge to continue and accelerate efforts to ensure that every resident has what they need to thrive: clean air and water, a safer place to live, and opportunities for good-paying jobs.

Climate Mayors and nearly 350 U.S. Mayors have witnessed the impacts of climate change firsthand, such as historic extreme heat waves, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, all of which have taken a significant toll on our communities. We’ve also seen how advancing clean energy projects, efficiency programs, and transportation initiatives in our cities have not only advanced the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but have delivered a host of benefits for communities. As a result of city-wide plans to achieve ambitious local targets, thousands of well-paying green jobs have proliferated in American cities and neighborhoods are experiencing less air pollution, better health outcomes, and lower energy costs. Collaboration between local, state, private, and philanthropic partners will continue to prove central in delivering on our goals and ratcheting up an all-of-society approach to climate action. Our mayors remain committed to building cities of the future that effectively meet the needs of constituents and continue to reduce harmful emissions under this NDC. 

“Today’s announcement of a new U.S. NDC serves as an important goalpost for our unwavering ambition as subnational actors continue to lead the fight against climate change and advance America’s economic competitiveness,” said Climate Mayors Executive Director Kate Wright. “Our membership of over 350 U.S. Mayors is ready to do its part to achieve our national target and build on the progress we’ve made over the last decade. Cities across the country are putting the best interests of their communities first by investing in advanced energy and water efficiency programs, more equitable access to green infrastructure, and clean energy solutions that are cutting emissions – further securing a healthy and economically prosperous future for our communities.”