Biden Administration Takes Bold Step: Halting New Coal Plants and Phasing Out Existing Ones
Dubai, November 1, 2023 – The Biden Administration, represented by U.S. Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry, made a groundbreaking commitment at COP28 in Dubai, pledging to halt the construction of new coal plants and initiating the phased closure of existing ones. The move aligns with the administration’s ambitious green agenda, aiming to combat climate change and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In a statement at the United Nations climate change summit, Kerry declared the United States’ commitment to join the Powering Past Coal Alliance, a coalition of nearly 60 countries dedicated to accelerating the decommissioning of coal-fired power stations. The alliance excludes a few facilities that incorporate carbon capture and storage technology. While Kerry did not provide a specific timeline for the closure of existing plants, the announcement reflects a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions.
“The first step is to stop making the problem worse: stop building new unabated coal power plants,” emphasized Kerry, highlighting the administration’s proactive approach to address climate challenges globally. The move aligns with President Biden’s recent statement that coal plants across the U.S. will be replaced by renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
As of October, coal contributed to just under 20% of U.S. electricity generation, a significant decrease from 2008 levels. President Biden’s administration has been actively working to transition away from coal through federal clean energy tax credits and stringent regulations, creating economic challenges for coal plant operators.
Kerry’s announcement at COP28 underscores the urgency of tackling climate change and positions the U.S. as a key participant in global efforts to combat the environmental crisis. The decision resonates with the administration’s broader strategy to foster stronger economies and resilient communities by accelerating the phase-out of coal power.
As the UN climate change summit unfolds in Dubai, Kerry’s address sets the tone for discussions on collaborative actions, emphasizing accountability, adaptation efforts, and the establishment of a loss and damage fund to support vulnerable nations.
The global community is closely watching COP28 for further developments, anticipating a collective commitment to ambitious climate goals and the realization of a sustainable, low-carbon future.
