In the face of a mounting climate crisis, a growing number of state governments are addressing emissions challenges head-on. Twenty-three states have committed to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets via legislation or executive order. These plans are an excellent step forward—but several states have gone even further by enacting economy-wide net zero directives.

Over the past two years, four states have committed to completely neutralizing their carbon emissions before 2050 by cutting emissions and investing in carbon capture technology. These ambitious targets have emerged as the new best practice for governments seeking to confront climate change boldly and systematically.

State net zero laws

In June 2018, Hawaii became the first state to commit to net zero carbon emissions statewide when Gov. David Ige signed HB 2182 into law. The legislation requires the state to sequester more atmospheric carbon and greenhouse gases than it produces economy-wide.

A year later in June 2019, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a similar bill, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. New York's law requires every sector of the economy—from transportation to agriculture to buildings—to cut GHG emissions 85% from 1990 levels by 2050. The law features an additional carbon sequestration requirement to remove the remaining 15% of statewide emissions.

In March of this year, Washington built on its 2019 clean energy commitment and became the most recent state to enact an economy-wide net zero requirement. The 2020 act, signed by Gov. Jay Inslee, replaces the state's existing 57.5% GHG reduction target with a net zero requirement by 2050. Key economic sectors – including electricity, buildings, manufacturing and agriculture – are assigned targets, with the state tracking reduction progress.

California's executive order

In Sept. 2018, Gov. Jerry Brown issued a landmark executive order committing the Golden State to a net zero economy by 2045. The order requires the California Air Resources Board to collaborate with state agencies to implement reduction measures and track progress. Although California's Assembly and Senate have yet to codify the order's provisions, this ambitious target affirms California as a global leader in the movement toward net zero.

Pending legislation in the Bay State

In January, the Massachusetts Senate passed S.2500, legislation that would require the Commonwealth to reach economy-wide net zero by 2050. The sweeping bill package also features other bold policy measures, including statewide carbon pricing and new energy efficiency incentives. The bill currently sits before the House Committee on Ways and Means. As more policymakers around the country consider net zero requirements, USGBC will continue to offer support for measures that lead to a greener future.

LEED and LEED Zero support net zero goals

The buildings and construction sector accounted for 39% of all carbon emissions worldwide in 2018. USGBC offers an expansive suite of online education resources to help governments meet emission reduction goals. The LEED rating system has been a key tool for net zero projects for years, and LEED Zero specifically recognizes verified net zero operations. LEED v4.1, our most recent version, provides additional rewards for carbon reduction with GHG reductions as a core metric in the Energy Optimization credit.

Learn more about how LEED supports enhanced energy performance

States push for a greener future with net zero legislation