Advertisement

U.S., Canada, Mexico pledge to generate 50 percent of energy from clean sources

By Andrew V. Pestano
The United States, Canada and Mexico aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing clean energy generation to 50 percent by 2025. In 2015, the countries generated about 37 percent of energy from clean energy sources. File photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI
The United States, Canada and Mexico aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing clean energy generation to 50 percent by 2025. In 2015, the countries generated about 37 percent of energy from clean energy sources. File photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo

WASHINGTON, June 29 (UPI) -- The United States, Canada and Mexico have agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas industry by increasing clean energy generation to 50 percent by 2025.

The North American Climate, Clean Energy and Environment Partnership will impose new restrictions on some industries to reduce emissions following last year's United Nations climate change agreement in Paris that sought a global reduction in emissions.

Advertisement

"The Paris Agreement was a turning point for our planet," the leaders said in a joint statement. "Our actions to align climate and energy policies will protect human health and help level the playing field for our businesses, households and workers."

The leaders hope to generate 50 percent of energy from clean power by 2025. To meet the goal, the three countries pledged to develop and deploy clean energy initiatives in renewable, nuclear, and carbon capture and storage technologies.

"To support the goal of 50 percent clean power generation, the three countries plan a range of initiatives, including cutting power waste by aligning ten appliance efficiency standards or test procedures by 2019, 5,000 megawatts of cross-border transmission projects to facilitate deployment of clean power, a joint study of the opportunities and impacts of adding more renewables to the electric grid on a continental basis, and the greening of government operations to 100 percent clean energy by 2025," the White House said in a statement.

Advertisement

In 2015, the countries generated about 37 percent of energy from clean energy sources. The three countries also hope to reduce methane gas emissions by up to 45 percent.

To meet the 2025 goal, clean energy in the United States would grow to nearly 1,900 billion kWh of generation.

"The 50 percent clean energy target across North America will bring us closer to our neighbors, help reduce the harmful impacts of climate change, and have clear economic benefits for American households," the White House said.

Latest Headlines