Why U.S. states should put limits on climate pollution

The problem: Cumulative pollution

Science tells us that we need to cut climate-heating pollution by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050 in order to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. Many U.S. states have created goals aligned with these science-based targets.

But the pace at which we cut pollution is just as important as aiming to meet these goals. Watch the video below to learn about why cutting pollution now is so essential for our climate progress.

The solution: Pollution limits 

One effective way that states can tackle cumulative pollution is by putting declining limits on how much climate pollution industries and businesses can release into the air. 

California and Washington state already have statewide pollution limits in place that cover emissions across their economies. The 11 states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative have a pollution limit on emissions from the electric power sector. Watch the video below to learn about how these important policies work.