Statement: Senate introduces Clean Economy Act

Groundbreaking bill complements House’s efforts on climate solutions

PennEnvironment

WASHINGTON — A new bill, introduced today by Sen. Tom Carper 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 that the world’s top climate scientists have given to keep global warming below 1.5 Celsius and avert the worst impacts of climate change.

Flora Cardoni, Climate Defender Campaign Director for PennEnvironment, issued the following statement: 

“As climate pollution reaches unprecedented levels, our federal leaders must make climate solutions a top priority, and they must do so quickly. By cosponsoring and supporting the Clean Economy Act, Senator Casey and his colleagues will put the American government’s might behind the great work that’s already being done in states across the country to take bold action on climate change. 

“Record-breaking extreme weather is devastating families and communities across Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Before it’s too late, our congressional leaders — including Senator Toomey — must step up and take action against the existential threat of climate change by joining Senators Carper and Casey in clearly supporting the essential goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.”

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PennEnvironment is a citizen-funded environmental advocacy organization working to promote clean air, clean water, and protect Pennsylvania’s great natural heritage. For more information about this and PennEnvironment’s other work, visit www.PennEnvironment.org.