In the final weeks of his presidency, President Biden has announced a new climate target aiming for a substantial reduction in U.S. carbon emissions. The goal is a 61-66% decrease from 2005 levels by 2035, aligning with the Paris Agreement and the broader objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This announcement formalizes the U.S. commitment to the UN Climate Change secretariat.

This move sets the stage for a renewed clash over climate policy with President-elect Trump, who previously withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement during his first term. While Biden rejoined the agreement, Trump's stance on future participation remains unclear. However, indications suggest he intends to prioritize domestic energy production and roll back certain Biden-era environmental regulations, potentially through executive orders and the appointment of an "energy czar."

Reports indicate Trump's transition team is drafting measures to counteract Biden's clean energy initiatives, arguing they have negatively impacted the economy. Among the potential changes are relocating the EPA headquarters and streamlining regulations to bolster domestic energy production.

A Trump transition team spokesperson affirmed the President-elect's commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises, emphasizing his intent to deliver on these policy shifts. The contrasting approaches of Biden and Trump highlight the ongoing debate surrounding climate policy and its economic implications.