Luther College urges Biden administration to set strong 2030 U.S. climate target

Luther College, along with 74 other colleges and universities, is calling on the Biden-Harris administration to set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030.

A letter to the White House states, “We (the college and university signatories) know that we need to address the climate crisis at the pace and scale it demands. Climate science, much of which is generated at our institutions, tells us that the United States must adopt an emissions reduction target that will place the country on a credible pathway to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.”

The Biden-Harris administration has reentered the Paris Agreement and subsequently must submit a carbon emission goal. The signatories of the letter urged the administration to set and meet a goal of 50%, which will put the U.S. on track to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

“Luther College’s educational mission calls us to be good stewards of the earth and responsible citizens,” said President Jenifer K. Ward. “We have a concrete plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, operate more efficiently, and use renewable energy to heat, cool, and power our campus, so our signature on this letter takes that local commitment and joins it to a national effort that can have a global impact.”

Luther is one of 16 institutions in the Midwest to support this 2030 climate target.

Luther College has been recognized as one of the top 10 baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. for campus sustainability. The college is committed to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% and becoming carbon neutral by 2030. To date, Luther has reduced its overall carbon footprint by nearly 60% from its peak emissions in fiscal year 2004.

About Luther

Luther College is home to more than 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact.