DTE’s net-zero carbon commitment adds momentum to clean energy transition
EDF Statement from Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund
(NEW YORK) DTE Energy, the largest electric utility in Michigan, today announced plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in its electric generation by 2050, building on its previous pledge to cut these emissions 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and 80 percent by 2040. In response, Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp released the following statement:
“DTE’s announcement is part of a growing—and essential—trend among major U.S. utilities. In recent months Xcel Energy and Duke Energy have also committed to cutting climate pollution and accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy. It is good to see leaders in the power sector stepping up the pace of change.
“To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, the U.S. must become a 100% clean economy by 2050, one that produces no more climate pollution than we can remove from the atmosphere. DTE’s latest commitment is another strong step forward. It recognizes that achieving this net-zero target will require public policies that incentivize innovation and drive down emissions across the economy. EDF encourages the company to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission technologies such as wind and solar in order to exceed its current target of a 50% carbon reduction by 2030. What happens in the next decade is absolutely critical.
“Carbon pollution is damaging the health of our citizens, our planet, and our economy. With climate change hitting home in all of our daily lives, Americans are calling for ambitious action across the entire economy. As DTE and other utilities continue the transition to truly clean generation, we expect they will also address upstream methane emissions from the natural gas they currently use to generate power. Since methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, methane pollution must be sharply reduced.”
—Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Media Contact
Latest press releases
-
New Report Outlines Need for Quality Interventions in Climate Finance Goal Under Discussion at COP29
October 30, 2024 -
New Findings Highlight 22% Growth in Pennsylvania’s Methane Mitigation Industry
October 29, 2024 -
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announces order for charging of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles
October 29, 2024 -
Supreme Court Will Consider Decisions about Interstate Air Pollution Protections from Coal-Fired Power Plants
October 21, 2024 -
Biden Administration Investments Will Bolster Grid Resilience in the Wake of Severe Storms
October 18, 2024 -
Supreme Court Denies Requests to Block Climate Pollution Standards for Power Plants
October 16, 2024