Description: The global scientific community and many governments worldwide agree that global warming is caused by increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other climate pollutants. Additionally, scientific consensus, as expressed in the Paris Agreement, indicates that (1) global warming of more than 1.5°C increases risks of severe climate change impacts, including more frequent and severe droughts, heatwaves and rainfall and (2) to limit global warming to 1.5°C, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must peak before 2025 at the latest and decline 43% by 2030. In furtherance of this goal, 195 national governments have committed to GHG emissions reduction and/or removal targets, as recommended by the Paris Agreement. Many U.S. state, territory, city and county governments have also established supportive GHG emissions reduction targets or other similar measures, which often provide benefits locally as well as globally.

As of February 2025, 22 states (and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) have established binding state-level GHG emissions reduction targets, and four other states have established recommended targets. Many of these states also require regular state-level reporting on GHG emissions levels, while other states are required to report on state-level GHG emissions but do not have a state-level GHG emissions reduction target. State-level programs may be established by state legislation or executive action, and they are often implemented by the state’s air pollution agency (APA) or the functional equivalent thereof.

This table, State-Level Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Targets, summarizes key elements of each state-level GHG emissions reduction program as of February 2025. The table contains information on (1) whether each state’s program is binding; (2) the key GHG emission reduction targets for each state program; (3) the year each state’s program was enacted, and whether it was created by legislative or executive action; and (4) additional notes on certain state programs. See links below for additional detail.

Notable and/or novel features of these state-level programs are summarized below:

• Maine was the first state in the nation to enact statutory GHG emissions reduction targets (2003).
• Hawai’i was the first state in the nation to declare a climate emergency (2021).
• Of the 24 states/territories with binding targets, 19 (~86%) have also established interim targets along an established timeline.
• States/territories vary in the year against which baseline GHG emissions are measured for purposes of determining emissions reductions. The most common year used is 1990 (12 states/territories), followed by 2005 (10 states/territories).
• Some states (e.g., District of Columbia, Florida, North Carolina) have also established separate GHG emissions reduction targets for state government agency and department operations.
• Some states (e.g., Connecticut, Virginia, Washington) have also established separate GHG emissions reduction targets for state government agency and department operations.
• California has established a statutory target to achieve net negative GHG emissions after 2045.
• Kentucky has established a unique three-pronged strategy focused on energy, the environment, and economic development.
• Massachusetts and Montana have established sub-targets for GHG emissions reductions from specific industry sectors.

Additionally, a number of cities, counties and regions within certain states have established their own GHG emissions reduction targets. Examples of such programs are summarized below:

• Several cities and counties, particularly in California, have incorporated GHG emission reduction targets in their comprehensive General Plans (see Additional Information below).
• Austin, TX – achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2040, with a focus on equity.
• Boston, MA – reduce GHG emissions (compared to 2005 levels) by (1) 50% by 2030 and (2) 100% by 2050.
• Chicago, IL – reduce GHG emissions (compared to 2017 levels) by (1) 50% by 2030 and (2) 67% by 2040.
• Concord, NH – (1) achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050 and (2) reduce GHG emissions 80% by 2050.
• Fairfax County, VA – (1) reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2030, (2) reduce GHG emissions by 75% by 2040, and (3) achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with 87% of the necessary reductions coming from local sources and actions, as opposed to the purchase of carbon offsets.
• Houston, TX – reduce GHG emissions by (1) 40% by 2030, (2) 75% by 2040, and (3) 100% by 2050.
• Los Angeles, CA – achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
• Los Angeles County, CA – reduce GHG emissions (compared to 2015 levels) by (1) 40% by 2030, (2) 50% by 2035, and (3) 83% by 2045.
• Louisville, KY – achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2040.
• Miami, FL – (1) reduce GHG emissions by 60% (compared to 2018 levels) by 2035 and (2) achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
• New Orleans, LA – (1) reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2035 and (2) achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
• New York, NY – achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
• Philadelphia, PA – achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Portland, OR – (1) reduce GHG emissions by 50% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2030 and (2) achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.
• San Francisco, CA – (1) reduce GHG emissions by 61% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2030 and (2) achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2040 by reducing GHG emissions by 90% (compared to 1990 levels) and sequestering any residual emissions through nature-based solutions.
• Seattle, WA – achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
• South Coast Air Quality Management District (the regulatory agency responsible for air quality in portions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties) – reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, diesel particulate matter, and many other pollutants caused by diesel truck traffic at large warehouses.
• Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact (a partnership between Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties) – voluntary commitment to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050.

In summary, local and state-level planning to reduce climate emissions and adoption of laws to implement and make enforceable the local and state-level plans are reducing GHG emissions in furtherance of the Paris Agreement and national goals. Collectively, such actions are essential to avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, improving local air quality, and advancing sustainable practices nationwide.

Goal: Reduce GHG emissions at the state and/or local level.