WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)  introduced the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2019. This ‘cap-and-dividend’ policy is a simple, fair, and effective way to address the dangers of climate change. The bill would put more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans, thus increasing their spending power and growing our economy. Learn more here.

In response, Mike Tidwell, Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, stated:

“For a decade, Senator Chris Van Hollen has been a uniquely urgent voice on climate change and a stubborn advocate for real solutions. Today, he reintroduced his elegant, equitable, and durable policy to cap carbon emissions nationwide while enhancing the lives of low- and moderate-income Americans. We also salute the climate leadership of Congressman Don Beyer, who has been a long-time supporter of the cap-and-dividend policy and a stalwart champion of clean energy.

“The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act is a policy first introduced years ago but whose time has come with the latest dire warnings from climate scientists. The policy is calibrated to match the latest science, creating a pathway for the US to help keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degree Celsius. It does this by putting in place transparent ‘upstream’ caps on coal, oil, and natural gas as they enter the US economy. It creates revenue that is then equally distributed to all US households in a progressive manner. Up to 80 percent of all households thus see net economic benefits from this policy while carbon is simultaneously and gradually squeezed out of our economy.

“This is the inevitable policy solution to climate change, in my view. We can no longer wait for the adoption of this responsible and effective approach to the climate crisis.”

The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act caps carbon pollution and reduces CO2 emissions gradually but steadily. It auctions carbon pollution permits to the first sellers of oil, coal, and natural gas into the U.S. market, and returns 100 percent of the auction proceeds electronically each quarter to every American in the form of a Healthy Climate Dividend. A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found a ‘cap-and-divided’ approach would mean more than 80 percent of families would see more money in their pockets, even before taking into account the economic benefits of preventing the costly impacts of climate change.

CONTACT:  Denise Robbins, Communications Director, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org, 608-620-8819

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the oldest and largest grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region.

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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

The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act is the strongest federal climate bill introduced so far in 2018. Last year, taxpayers footed an unprecedented $300 billion in climate-driven disaster relief to cope with record mega fires, hurricanes, mudslides, and droughts. This represents a giant subsidy to Big Oil, Coal, and Gas to cover external costs foisted on the US public by the energy companies.

A strong “price signal” attached to carbon shifts the burden of climate damages back to the responsible parties: polluting energy corporations. Van Hollen and Beyer’s bill would cap carbon and return the revenues of the pollution permit auctions to all U.S. families in the form of a quarterly “dividend” payment. This approach ratchets pollution down to scientifically safer levels while confronting the dangerously concentrated power of the fossil fuel industry. Polluter-paid revenue is returned as carbon dividends for all, creating a progressive and universal incentive to save energy and switch to clean power.

In the face of mounting climate disasters and the Trump tax plan that harms the middle class, Americans are hungry for transparent and intuitive solutions like The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2018.

What: Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Don Beyer speak live to a national call-in audience in announcing introduction of the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act. The legislators will be joined by supportive grassroots advocates, including the Rev. Lennox Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus and Mike Tidwell of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and CCAN Action Fund.

When: Monday, January 29, 2018, 3:15-4:15 PM EST

Where: Dial in to the conference call at: 202-800-9984. Enter the access code: 408475

More about the legislators:Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Senate Climate Task Force, is a leading supporter of congressional efforts to address global climate change. Congressman Don Beyer is a longtime environmental champion who represents Virginia’s 8^th District. He is the Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and is co-Chair of the Congressional Safe Climate Caucus.

See below the full text of the letter submitted to House and Senate Catholics from the Franciscan Action Network and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

“We are reaching out to Catholic lawmakers today because – right now – they can take the kind of bold action the Pope is calling for worldwide on climate change,” said Patrick Carolan, director of the Franciscan Action Network. “Congress has a moral obligation to act, and Catholic lawmakers should – like the Pope – lead on this issue.”

Carolan called on the members of Congress to support HR 1027. The bill, introduced by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), would cap US carbon emissions, require fossil fuel companies to pay a fee to pollute, and then rebate the collected revenue back to all Americans in equal-sized quarterly “carbon dividend” payments. This so-call “cap-and-dividend” approach to climate policy has been growing in popularity in recent years in Congress and across the country.

“The Pope in his encyclical calls for a morally thoughtful and socially fair solution to climate change,” said Mike Tidwell, a Presbyterian activist and director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “In our view, HR 1027 is both an effective tool for reducing carbon pollution and a just tool that makes sure vulnerable Americans actually prosper during the transition to clean energy.”

Click here to read the letter delivered to Congress.

Contact:
Patrick Carolan, Franciscan Action Network, 203-522-2324, pcarolan@franciscanaction.org
Mike Tidwell, Chesapeake Climate Action Network 240-460-5838, mtidwell@chesapeakeclimate.org

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#1: National Journal: Clean Power Plan OK with Carbon Taxes
#2: US Climate Plan: State Carbon Pricing Groups Meet, Share, Strategize
#3: The Economist: Thinking Beyond a Global Carbon Price
#4: Oregon Climate: Portland City Council Urges State to Enact Carbon Pricing
#5: Citizens Climate Lobby: Republicans in Congress, Not What You’d Think
#6: Center for Climate Protection: Talking Cap and Dividend with Peter Barnes
#7: HR 1027 Co-sponsor List Keeps Growing

#1: National Journal: Clean Power Plan OK with Carbon Taxes:

“In a change from the draft plan, the final EPA rule now explicitly says states can use ‘fees’ (i.e., taxes) as a tool for meeting their emissions-cutting requirements. That’s on page 899 of the massive 1,560-page rule. Plans that states craft to comply with the mandate, the rule states, ‘could accommodate imposition by a state of a fee for CO2 emissions from affected [electric generating units], an approach suggested by a number of commenters.’”

#2: US Climate Plan: State Carbon Pricing Groups Meet, Share, Strategize

“Two weeks ago, we brought leaders of state carbon pricing campaigns in Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Washington, New York, and Oregon together to share their campaigns and strategize on how we can build pressure for national action. They cited the economic benefits of a carbon tax, the included tax reform, the health benefits, and the allure of being painted as leaders as opportunities to bring state legislators on board. Still, despite the fact that 66% of Americans say they would be more likely to vote for politicians that support proactive climate and renewable energy policies, state legislatures are dragging their feet. Nobody is willing to be the first to cross the Rubicon.”

#3: The Economist: Thinking Beyond a Global Carbon Price

“Looking at carbon prices through a narrow climate lens provides only part of the picture. Over and above environmental concerns, carbon and energy taxes make economic and fiscal sense, making them relevant for both developing and developed countries. By taxing the “bads” (carbon), countries can reduce taxes on the “goods” (labor and capital). Carbon taxes are also easier to administer as carbon sources are concentrated.”

#4: Oregon Climate: Portland City Council Urges State to Enact Carbon Pricing

“The Portland City Council adopted their 2015 Climate Action Plan (CAP) on June 24, which includes support fora statewide carbon tax or cap. The plan states that if the state does not adopt a carbon price, the City ‘will consider local adoption of a carbon pricing mechanism.’ The Oregon State Legislature has considered multiple carbon pricing bills in the 2015 legislative session. SB 965, a carbon cap and dividend bill, would cap greenhouse gas pollution at scientifically determined levels, and return all generated revenue back to Oregon taxpayers and taxpayer dependents. HB 3470 would also cap pollution, and delegate authority to the Department of Environmental Quality to ensure goals are met. Together, the bills have earned the support of 15 legislative sponsors.”

#5: Citizens Climate Lobby: Republicans in Congress, Not What You’d Think

“Our organization, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, recently sent 800 volunteers to meet with more than 500 House and Senate offices in Washington. This was our opening in those meetings: ‘We’re here to talk about a policy that can grow the economy, add jobs, increase our competitiveness with China, and make our air and water cleaner.’ So, what happened when our volunteers engaged Republicans in this conversation? In most instances, there was keen interest, active listening, productive discussions and – in some cases – expressions of support for our proposal. In very few instances, however, was there pushback from the staff or member of Congress about the science of climate change. In meeting after meeting with Republican offices, the unspoken agreement seemed to be: ‘Let’s not argue about the science; let’s talk about solutions and where we might find common ground.’”

#6: Center for Climate Protection: Talking Cap and Dividend with Peter Barnes

“Peter believes that in order to build a movement – as is necessary to see dramatic success in climate protection – we need to create economic benefits for people. This is one of the underlying principles of carbon pricing: by putting a price on something we don’t want, we disincentive its use. But Peter goes further in his advocacy for dividends. If we implement a carbon pricing system in which every person is paid directly, the benefits become more visible and the negative aspects (e.g. higher energy prices) harder to find. By benefitting the average person, we can build a coalition with a broader support, beyond the usual suspects of environmentalists, Democrats.”

#7: HR 1027 Co-sponsor List Keeps Growing

As of mid-August, the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2015, HR 1027, has 27 House co-sponsors:

Rep. Donald Beyer (VA-8)
Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17)
Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47)
Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11)
Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Earl (OR-3)
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large)
Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-3)
Rep. Peter Welch (VT-At Large)
Rep. Charles Rangel (NY-13)
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19)
Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28)
Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-32)
Rep. Michael Honda (CA-17)
Rep. John Conyers (MI-13)
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13)
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11)
Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-9)
Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33)
Rep. Janice Hahn (CA-44)
Rep. James McGovern (MA-2)
Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL-9)
Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-5)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL-20)
Rep. Sam Farr (CA-20)
Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09)
Rep. Nydia Velasquez (NY-07)
Rep. Richard Nolan (Mn-08)

In This Issue:

#1: Robert Reich video: “Can we address climate change and boost the economy? Yes we can.”

#2: Mike Sandler, Huffington Post: The Pope’s leadership opens the way for just solutions to the climate crisis

#3: US Climate Plan: Leaders of state pricing carbon efforts gather in DC to advance pricing carbon movement

#4: Oregon Climate leader testifies before state Senate committee

#5: Morning Consult: How to sell a carbon tax to voters

#6: Best of the Left: Cap and dividend for a healthy climate

#7: Movement Generation: Time to talk about carbon caps in the US

#8: Dave Roberts, Vox: Big oil wants a price on carbon

#9: Waco, Texas letter to the editor

#10: HR 1027 co-sponsor list keeps growing

#1: Robert Reich video: “Can we address climate change and boost the economy? Yes we can.”

“The sky belongs to all of us. But polluters are getting away with poisoning it for free. We should start charging them rent. A simple tax on carbon would change the economics of polluting. This tax could raise about $1.2 billion over the next decade. We could use that money the way Alaska does with it oil revenues and distribute the money equally to every American as a kind of dividend, a basic income for all Americans.”

#2: Mike Sandler, Huffington Post: The Pope’s leadership opens the way for just solutions to the climate crisis:

“The Pope’s Encyclical raises the possibility that in the coming months leading up to the UN Climate Conference in Paris, a project could emerge to link protection of the climate commons and battling global poverty. As those planning to attend Paris prepare to assess the equity components of their Parties’ contributions, and consider how to ratchet up their ambition, they should pause, think of the Pope’s Encyclical, and remember to advocate for a global institution that can implement a carbon price and return revenues back to people.”

#3: US Climate Plan: Leaders of state pricing carbon efforts gather in DC to advance pricing carbon movement:

“Evan Weber, executive director of U.S. Climate Plan, added, ‘Economists, scientists, and advocates have long pushed for national climate legislation, but great change in this country often starts with the states and works its way up. These inspiring state efforts may be our best bet to get a nationwide price on climate pollution. And that type of policy might be our best hope to ultimately stabilize the climate.’”

#4: Oregon Climate leader testifies before state Senate committee:

“Proving the model of effective climate legislation means committing to bipartisanship. From the very time that you even start talking about it, in an informational hearing, we make the commitment: this is not designed to raise revenue. This is not designed to support bigger government. This is designed to control fossil fuels, to disperse the stakeholdership, and really create a predictable transition for the next era of energy consumption.”

#5: Morning Consult: How to sell a carbon tax to voters:

“Passing carbon tax legislation might be a long shot, but the latest Morning Consult survey suggests there’s one good way to pitch it to voters: tell them the proceeds will wind up in their pockets. Outside of Congress some proponents, including the New York Times editorial board, are embracing carbon tax legislation that would refund households through direct payments to offset the impact – particularly on the poor – of higher electricity and gasoline prices. A majority of the public likes that idea.”

#6: Best of the Left: Cap and dividend for a healthy climate:

“Corporations clearly don’t respect anything unless it costs money. It’s time they respected climate impact by having to consider the price tag while making decisions on energy-use. Changing the way businesses approach consumption while reducing CO2 by 80% over the next 35 years and raising money for those who need it most would be a cross-category win.”

#7: Movement Generation: Time to talk about carbon caps in the US:

“It is a solution that takes a serious and uncompromising stance on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. While not constructing the KXL pipeline prevents already dangerously high greenhouse emission levels from increasing, it does nothing to reduce them. This bill does exactly that.”

#8: Dave Roberts, Vox: Big oil wants a price on carbon?:

“In the long term, these companies are making a fateful wager: that they can participate in global decarbonization in a way that allows them time to establish a predictable market environment, make a lot of money, and manage a long-term transition away from their core products. It’s risky, but at this point it may be their only option. European oil companies realize: if you’re not at the climate policy table, you’re on the climate policy menu.”

#9: Waco, Texas letter to the editor:

“A majority of Americans recognize the threat of climate change and many have taken action to reduce their carbon footprint through conservation, recycling and support of renewable energy technology. Now an opportunity to support legislation to combat climate change has arisen.”

#10: HR 1027 co-sponsor list keeps growing

The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2015, HR 1027, currently has 26 House co-sponsors:

Rep. Donald Beyer (VA-8)
Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17)
Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47)
Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11)
Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Earl (OR-3)
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large)
Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-3)
Rep. Peter Welch (VT-At Large)
Rep. Charles Rangel (NY-13)
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19)
Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28)
Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-32)
Rep. Michael Honda (CA-17)
Rep. John Conyers (MI-13)
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13)
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11)
Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-9)
Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33)
Rep. Janice Hahn (CA-44)
Rep. James McGovern (MA-2)
Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL-9)
Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-5)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL-20)
Rep. Sam Farr (CA-20)
Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09)
Rep. Nydia Velasquez (NY-07)

CCAN encourages readers of the Pricing Carbon, Paying Dividends Policy Update to distribute it to others who might be interested. We welcome input on the contents of this publication and ideas for what could be included.

Send to Ted Glick at ted@chesapeakeclimate.org.

#1 Grist: You can’t talk about the future of the Democratic Party without talking about climate change, by Ben Adler

#2 The Hill: Don’t bet the planet on carbon taxes, by Peter Barnes

#3 Oregon Climate: A call to the millennials, by Savanna Jones

#4 New York Times, June 6th editorial: The case for a carbon tax

#5 Washington Post, May 15: More and more conservative thinkers want to tax carbon. Will politicians and activists follow?, by Chris Mooney

#6 The estimated economic impacts on families of a cap-and-dividend policy, by James Boyce

#7 National conference call with Peter Barnes and Camila Thorndike

#8 Statement by Ken Kimmell, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists, on the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act

#9 HR 1027 co-sponsor list keeps growing

#1 Grist: You can’t talk about the future of the Democratic Party without talking about climate change, by Ben Adler

“‘With falling oil and gas prices, it’s hard to see a strong enough ‘price signal’ dependably emerging from any carbon tax over the next few years,’ Tidwell wrote. ‘Which is why a science-based cap is really what we need to dependably reduce carbon emissions economy-wide.’ The [Van Hollen] bill is also unabashedly progressive from an economic standpoint: It would trigger a major transfer of wealth from fossil fuel corporations to citizens, which Van Hollen argues would help alleviate the ‘middle class squeeze’ and ‘boost … the purchasing power of families across the country.’”

Read more

#2 The Hill: Don’t bet the planet on carbon taxes, by Peter Barnes

“Unlike a carbon tax, a declining carbon supply limit would send two messages to the market rather than one. A carbon tax says to the market, “Fossil fuels will get more expensive.” Many polluters can live with that, knowing they can shift higher costs to consumers or use fossil fuels more efficiently. By contrast, a declining supply cap sends a price signal and a physical one: ‘In the not-too-distant future, fossil fuels won’t be available at any price.’ That makes everyone get serious about carbon reduction and substitution.”

Read more

#3 Oregon Climate: A call to the millennials, by Savanna Jones

“Upon testifying in support of the Cap and Dividend bill in the House (HB 3250) in front of the Environment and Energy Committee on April 14th, my heart was beating so fast. Here I was, beginning my piece of history, using my own voice and calling on the legislators to take action instead of sit back in their chairs and watch the clock. I urge my peers to do the same: step forward instead of watch the clock. Raise your voice for change so that our children wish they were here to see us. I urge my fellow Millennials to join the revolution and claim the future as our own.”

Read more

#4 New York Times, June 6th editorial: The case for a carbon tax

“A carbon tax would also be much easier to administer than some of the other climate change policies that many leaders, including President Obama and Gov. Jerry Brown of California, have backed. One of those policies is cap-and-trade, an approach that limits overall emissions and allows businesses to buy and sell permits that entitle them to emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The United States used cap-and-trade successfully in the 1990s to reduce the pollution that causes acid rain. But a European Union trading system for greenhouse gas emissions has not been as effective.”

Read more

#5 Washington Post, May 15: More and more conservative thinkers want to tax carbon. Will politicians and activists follow? By Chris Mooney

“Prominent thinkers on the right are increasingly pushing — and drawing considerable attention for pushing — a climate policy idea that Republicans may have to strongly consider one day. That idea is a carbon tax, supported not only by former SC Congressman Bob Inglis but libertarian Jerry Taylor — whose recently launched Niskanen Center seeks to advance pragmatic libertarian ideas in Washington. One of the first of those ideas is not just a carbon tax, but a carbon tax in exchange for getting rid of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a deal he thinks conservatives and libertarians can get behind — just as soon as they face the music and accept that some kind of climate change regulations are going to happen, somehow or other.”

Read more

#6 The estimated economic impacts on families of a cap-and-dividend policy, by James Boyce

“Below are two tables showing the estimated net impacts of a policy that caps national carbon emissions, auctions 100% of the permits and rebates all of the revenue to the public as equal per capita dividends. Table 1 shows the net impact on the median household—the household in the middle of the income distribution range in each state. Table 2 presents a more detailed picture, showing the net impact by state and by income decile—stratifying each state’s households from the poorest 10% to the richest 10% on the basis of their incomes.”

Read more

#7 National conference call with Peter Barnes and Camila Thorndike

On April 15 a national conference call was held, organized by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, which focused on the emergence of several statewide efforts to enact a legislative price on carbon, with most or all of the proceeds returned as dividends or tax cuts. Mike Tidwell gave an overview of those state efforts, and writer and entrepreneur Peter Barnes and Camila Thorndike, ED of Oregon Climate, spoke and answered questions. Below is the recording of that conference call.

Read more

#8 Statement by Ken Kimmell, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists, on the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act:

“The best available science tells us that we must significantly reduce heat-trapping emissions to limit the worst impacts of climate change. Putting a price on carbon uses market forces to find the most-cost effective ways to cut carbon emissions and reap the benefits of a transition to a clean energy economy. Congressman Van Hollen’s Healthy Climate and Family Security Act is a strong step forward in this direction.”
-Ken Kimmell, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists, former Chair of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

#9 HR 1027 co-sponsor list keeps growing

The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2015, HR 1027, currently has 25 House co-sponsors:

Rep. Donald Beyer (VA-8)
Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17)
Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47)
Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11)
Rep. Earl Blumenauer, (OR-3)
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large)
Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-3)
Rep. Peter Welch (VT-At Large)
Rep. Charles Rangel (NY-13)
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19)
Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28)
Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-32)
Rep. Michael Honda (CA-17)
Rep. John Conyers (MI-13)
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13)
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11)
Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-9)
Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33)
Rep. Janice Hahn (CA-44)
Rep. James McGovern (MA-2)
Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL-9)
Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-5)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL-20)
Rep. Sam Farr (CA-20)
Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09)

Click here to stay updated on the most current House co-sponsors

CCAN encourages readers of the Pricing Carbon, Paying Dividends Policy Update to distribute it to others who might be interested. We welcome input on the contents of this publication and ideas for what could be included.

Send to Ted Glick at ted@chesapeakeclimate.org.

https://www.freeconferencecallhd.com/playback/?n=O3J5d/jhrUn

Call moderated by director Mike Tidwell, April 15, 2015

Did you know that four states have now introduced bills that would put a price on carbon and rebate some or all of the revenue to citizens? Oregon is the latest — and the fight there to get legislation passed is starting to heat up. These efforts come just as a federal bill has been re-introduced in the House of Representatives to cap carbon emissions nationally and return the auction revenue equally to all American citizens. Simply put, the idea of “pricing carbon” and rebating the proceeds is catching on from coast to coast. Hear about these state and federal efforts directly from leaders on the front lines of the campaigns.

- Camila Thorndike is the co-founder and executive director of Oregon Climate, a statewide, grassroots campaign to put a price on pollution in Oregon. Oregon Climate has successfully introduced both fee-and-dividend and cap-and-dividend bills into the Oregon legislature, and a legislative hearing on the cap-and-dividend legislation is being held on April 14^th. Organizers see this bill as a model that can inspire federal action. Passage and implementation would reduce Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions 85% below 1990 levels by 2050 while returning all of the revenue raised from fossil fuel companies to Oregon taxpayers and their dependents.

- Peter Barnes is a writer and entrepreneur who has started and run several successful businesses. He co-founded Working Assets Long Distance (now Credo Mobile) and is the author of six books, the most recent being “With Liberty and Dividends for All.” He is credited by many with conceiving the idea of cap-and-dividend legislation in his 2001 book, “Who Owns the Sky?” He has recently written about the importance of a steadily declining cap on emissions if climate legislation is to be successful.

1. Hillary Clinton should support cap and dividend: The American Prospect, Robert Kuttner
2. Oregonians testify before state legislature in support of cap and dividend: Statesman Journal
3. What if polluters paid and you got the money? Sightline Daily
4. A truly American approach to reducing green house gases: Citizens for Global Solutions
5. Price carbon now, before low-cost oil says “caio”: OECD Insights blog
6. Round-up of states where pricing carbon initiatives of note are happening

1. Hillary Clinton should support cap and dividend: Robert Kuttner, The American Prospect

“So while it’s good that Clinton is positioning herself as more of a progressive, I think she needs to be even more radical, both to generate real enthusiasm and to address America’s real problems. Alaska, a state of rugged individualists not famous for left-wingers, has pioneered a model of extractive socialism that should be taken national. My friend Peter Barnes suggests a similar citizen dividend not just for minerals but for any privatization of something taken from the commons—whether publicly subsidized knowledge such as the Internet or energy company profits. You should read his book—better yet, Hillary should.”

More here

2. Oregonians testify before state legislature in support of cap and dividend: Statesman Journal

“Oregon lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday on three bills that would set a price on carbon emissions in Oregon. House Bill 3250 would be the nation’s strongest state-level effort against climate change, according to Oregon Climate, a Portland-based advocacy group that developed the concept. The bill would put a price on emissions and send the revenue directly to Oregon residents. Oregon Climate estimates each resident would receive between $500 and $1,500 per year.”

More here

3. What if polluters paid and you got the money?: Sightline Daily

“What if we could click our ruby slippers and transport ourselves to a magical place where polluters pay and we all get checks in the mail? The Oregon legislature is considering two bills that would take us there. If Oregon passed a polluters-pay-plus-dividend bill, the air would no longer be a free dumping ground for pollution, clean energy would be on an even playing field with fossil fuels, and each Oregonian would get a check for $500-$1,500 every year. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Here are the details, Q & A style.”

More here

4. A truly American approach to reducing green house gases: Citizens for Global Solutions

“We need to stop treating climate change as an abstract, expensive threat to Americans. When we hear that we will have to pay higher taxes or gas prices in order to protect future generations, we cringe and worry about how it will affect our lives in the here and now. Securing our climate needs to pay off for Americans today–and it can through the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act. Our families deserve to benefit from this innovative, and truly American, approach to achieve scientifically-targeted and market-driven reductions reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”

More here

5. Price carbon now, before low-cost oil says “caio”: OECD Insights Blog

“We don’t know how long oil prices will stay low, so with energy bills bottoming out, it’s prime time to introduce a tax on carbon, along with policies that push energy innovation in cost-effective ways, and shift decisions about production and consumption towards low-carbon choices. ‘Every government will need to explain how their policy settings are consistent with a pathway to eliminate emissions from fossil fuel combustion in the second half of the century,’ says OECE Secretary-General Angel Gurria.”

More here

6. Round-up of states where pricing carbon initiatives of note are happening (in addition to Oregon, reported on above)

Washington—Carbon Washington, at http://carbonwa.org, has launched an initiative to gather 315,000 signatures to put a “revenue neutral carbon fee” resolution on the ballot in November. Their proposal would put a $15/ton fee on carbon polluters the first year, a $25/ton increase the next year, and increasing at 3.5%/year plus inflation after that up to $100. The money raised would be used to reduce a state sales tax 1%, for a tax rebate to working families and to eliminate a business tax on manufacturers.

Massachusetts – The Massachusetts Campaign for a Clean Energy Future, at http://climate-xchange.org, is advancing a bill introduced in the Senate that has been co-sponsored by 42 Senators and House members, 20% of all legislators. There is a fee of $10/ton on “CO2 equivalent” (carbon and other greenhouse gases) the first year, $5/ton a year up to $40. The money raised would be returned as rebate payments to individuals (60% of the revenue) and businesses (40% of the revenue).

Vermont – Energy Independent Vermont, at http://energyindependentvt.org, reports on two bills that have been introduced in the House. The main bill has 27 co-sponsors (vs. 4 for other bill). It enacts a $10/ton tax on fuel distributors the first year, going up $10/year up to $100. 90% of the revenue would be used to reduce other taxes or for tax credits. The remaining 10% goes to energy efficiency (weatherization and transportation).

Rhode Island – Energize Rhode Island Coalition, at http://energizeri.org, had two bills introduced in the House and Senate, though they were withdrawn in early April for reworking. The bills had a $15/ton “CO2 equivalent” fee the first year, $5/ton a year after that. 25% of the proceeds from the fee would go for weatherization programs for low-income households and small businesses, 70% would be for direct dividends (30% for employers and 40% for individuals), and 5% would be for administrative costs.

CCAN encourages readers of the Cap and Dividend Policy Update to distribute it to others who might be interested. We welcome input on the contents of this publication and ideas for what could be included.

Questions? Contact Ted Glick, National Campaign Coordinator, at ted@chesapeakeclimate.org.