Statement of Support for the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2019
We are pleased to support the introduction of the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2019 by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD.) in the Senate, and Representative Don Beyer (D-VA.) in the House. This bill is being introduced at a particularly important moment. The climate crisis has gained traction after the most recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and with the formation of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and the introduction of the Green New Deal.
This legislation will help solve the climate crisis while growing our economy and helping working families prosper. It is simple, fair and thoughtful.
The legislation aims to cut carbon pollution 12.5% below 2005 levels by 2020 with benchmarks to reach a reduction of 80% by 2040. There is a provision which allows the targets to be strengthened by a vote of Congress if necessary to “avert catastrophic climate impacts.” The act functions by auctioning 100% of the carbon permits to coal, oil and gas companies, with the pricing mechanism determined by the market, no involvement from Wall Street, and it does not allow carbon offset mechanisms.
The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act is well thought out and will spur economic investment, create clean energy jobs, and protect the purchasing power of American families. 100% of the revenue raised by auction will be returned to the people on a quarterly basis to all residents with a valid Social Security number. This will protect families from rising fossil fuel energy prices, with an estimated 80% of people seeing more money in their pockets. The act also includes provisions to protect American manufacturers by putting in place border adjustment provisions.
The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act directs the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to use the Clean Air Act and other authority to make additional reductions in non-carbon greenhouse gases.
This is a carbon pricing proposal before Congress that, when passed, will help American families, our economy and our planet.
To sign on or find out more, contact Mike Tidwell, Executive Director at CCAN Action Fund at info@ccanactionfund.org