State GHG 2050 Emission Targets

Almost half of all states have either a statutory mandate or executive order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including requirements that grid electricity be carbon-free and economy-wide GHG emissions be net-zero by 2050. While legislators and governors have no issues creating these lofty targets, especially since many won’t be in office to oversee the painful implementation of programs that affect the availability and cost of energy products, with 25 years (or less) left to achieve these ambitious goals, it’s clear that making a promise is one thing, delivering on it is quite another.  

Examples of State GHG Emission Reduction Targets

• California: Net-zero GHG emissions by 2045
  • Percentage of in-state electricity generated from fossil fuels: 40.4%

• Colorado: Net-zero GHG emissions by 2050
  • Percentage of in-state electricity generated from fossil fuels: 58.5%
• Louisiana: Net-zero GHG emissions by 2050
  • Percentage of in-state electricity generated from fossil fuels: 79.2%
• Maryland: Net-zero GHG emissions by 2045
  • Percentage of in-state electricity generated from fossil fuels: 46.6%
• Massachusetts: Net-zero GHG emissions by 2050
  • Percentage of in-state electricity generated from fossil fuels: 78.2%
• Minnesota: 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040
  • Percentage of in-state electricity generated from fossil fuels: 46.6%
• New Mexico: 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045
  • Percentage of in-state electricity generated from fossil fuels: 50.5%

• North Carolina: Carbon neutrality in electricity sector by 2050
  • Percentage of in-state electricity generated from fossil fuels: 53.8%

• Rhode Island: 100% renewable electricity by 2033
  • Percentage of in-state electricity generated from fossil fuels: 89.9%
• Washington State: 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045
  • Percentage of in-state electricity generated from fossil fuels: 20.3%

Collectively, across these 10 states, fossil fuels produce an average of 56.4% of grid electricity. In contrast to the bulk electric grid, the direct-use of propane remains a clean and very efficient way to consume energy, especially from energy-intensive building applications such as space and water heating.

For more information, contact NPGA’s Senior Director of State Advocacy & Affairs, Jacob Peterson.