STATEMENT: Bi-Partisan Carbon Dividend Proposal Underscores Urgency of Climate Change

Ted Deutch (D-FL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John Delaney (D-MD), Francis Rooney (R-FL), and Charlie Crist (D-FL) are introducing the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2018. This bi-partisan legislation seeks to address climate change by putting a fee on carbon emissions from fuel combustion and large industrial sources, with the charge increasing until covered emissions have been reduced by 90 percent.

Below is a statement from Dr. Andrew Steer, President & CEO, World Resources Institute:

“This is the kind of smart, bi-partisan proposal on climate change that we urgently need. The walls of climate denial are falling. With each passing day, we understand more clearly that the impacts of climate change are not just a future problem, but are here already. The recent National Climate Assessment, authored by top experts and scientists at 13 federal government agencies, only underscores the urgency of action.

“We need members of Congress to move beyond the partisan divide. This proposal includes a carbon fee that will spur efficiency and innovation, while reducing emissions by at least 90 percent in the United States. The bill would direct revenue back to households, ensuring that all people, including low-income families, benefit as the economy transitions to low-carbon energy.

“The benefits of smart climate action are now well understood. The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate recently affirmed the economic opportunities – over $26 trillion between now and 2030 – in shifting to a low-carbon economy.

“The recent wildfires in California and flooding in the Carolinas send a clear message that climate change has arrived. WRI looks forward to working with members of Congress to accelerate the shift to a strong, low-carbon economy. We need leaders from local communities to the federal government to rise to this urgent challenge.”

For more information, visit WRI’s U.S. Climate Initiative.