A new Comprehensive Climate Action Plan released this month by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says the state has made substantial progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in recent years, but it is not yet on track to meet its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Capitol News Illinois reports that to reach that goal, the plan suggests Illinois will need to enact significant changes across virtually every sector of its economy, including transportation, building construction, manufacturing, agriculture and waste disposal.
The document says Illinois cut its net greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent from 2005 to 2023. That was due mainly to a shift in electric generation toward natural gas and renewable sources such as wind and solar power.
The transportation industry also saw significant reductions due to improved fuel efficiency standards and the gradual adoption of electric vehicles.
