Decarbonization has become an increasingly important issue in the United States as more states, cities, and utilities commit to net-zero carbon-emissions goals. This report analyzes historical carbon reductions in the electric sector to see how this space has reduced carbon emissions to date. It also examines recent integrated resource plans (IRPs) from electric utilities that have committed to 100% net-zero carbon targets to gauge how decarbonization efforts may shift in the future.

In an era of “net-zero” carbon commitments, the electricity industry is working to identify zero-carbon replacements for coal. However, the retirement of coal-fired generation plants can have significant economic implications for surrounding communities.

Electric transmission is a critical part of the energy industry, posing many challenges to meeting the clean energy goals of states, cities, utilities, and private corporations. The new high-voltage transmission will be critical to integrating large-scale renewable resources, balancing the grid over greater distances, and accommodating the additional load anticipated due to electrification. Some estimates suggest that transmission capacity may need to double or triple to facilitate the clean energy
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