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EU environment lawmakers edge towards a 60% emissions cut by 2030, ahead of vote

(Reuters, 9 Sep 2020) Lawmakers are tussling over how deeply the bloc should aim to cut emissions ahead of a vote on the proposed tougher target.

Lawmakers in the European Parliament's environment committee have agreed by a razor-thin majority to support a 60% European Union emissions reduction target for 2030, ahead of a key vote on Thursday.

Lawmakers are scuffling over their position on the EU's climate law, which will include a new, more ambitious emissions-cutting target for 2030 to steer the bloc towards its flagship climate aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Officials involved in the talks said groups representing a majority of a few votes in the committee support a target for the EU to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, against 1990 levels.

Negotiations are ongoing. Some lawmakers support even deeper emissions cuts, but they are up against groups seeking to shore up votes for a less ambitious 2030 climate goal.

The EU's current 2030 target is for a 40% emissions reduction.

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Reuters, 9 Sep 2020: EU environment lawmakers edge towards a 60% emissions cut by 2030, ahead of vote