Senate introduces Clean Economy Act
Media Contacts
Josh Chetwynd
Groundbreaking bill complements House’s efforts on climate solutions
Environment America
WASHINGTON — A new bill, introduced today by U.S. Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware and co-sponsored by 33 members, calls for a national goal of net zero emissions of global warming pollution in the United States by midcentury.
If passed into law, the Clean Economy Act of 2020 would require the Environmental Protection Agency to create a plan, using existing authorities, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. This date is in line with the deadline the world’s top climate scientists have given in order to keep global warming below 1.5 Celsius and avert the worst impacts of climate change.
Andrea McGimsey, senior director for Environment America’s Global Warming Solutions campaign, issued the following statement:
“As global warming pollution reaches new heights, our federal leaders must follow the lead of states across the nation who have made climate solutions a top priority, and they must do it quickly. By cosponsoring and supporting the Clean Economy Act, senators will put the American government’s might behind the great work that’s being done in states across the country. Record-breaking extreme weather is devastating families and communities across the country. Before it’s too late, members of Congress who haven’t already done so must step up and counter the existential threat of climate change by joining Sen. Carper in clearly supporting the essential goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.”