Huddle Recap - Environment
As part of my journey to represent you, I recently held two “huddles” on environmental issues to hear your views on the environment, and the actions you'd like to see Congress take on this vital issue. With thousands of bills introduced during each session of Congress, it can be difficult to identify and keep track of key legislation. I'd like to help you stay up to date by highlighting bills that address the issues that matter most to voters in the 5th District.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Fourth National Climate Assessment report from November 2018 state, in no uncertain terms, that the world has approximately 12 years to limit the human-caused warming of the earth to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures. If we do not do anything within this 12-year period, the results will be catastrophic:
A loss of 99 percent of coral reefs on earth
Wildfires that, by 2050, will burn twice as much land as pre-2019 levels
A loss of approximately $500 billion in annual economic output
Upwards of $1 trillion in damage to public infrastructure and real estate along U.S. coastlines
350 million people exposed to “deadly heat stress” by 2050
The US is responsible for 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. We must take the lead.
At the environmental huddles, we discussed two legislative proposals to reverse this alarming prediction.
HR 763: Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act
This proposed legislation aims to:
Help reduce U.S. carbon pollution by up to 45% from 2016 levels by 2030, and over 90% by 2050.
Impose a fee on carbon of $15 per metric ton, at the point of exaction, with the fee increasing every year.
Create a carbon dividend trust fund with fees collected to be distributed to ALL Americans.
Make energy markets more efficient and stimulate competition, innovation and technological progress.
Create jobs and stimulate competition, innovation and technological progress.
To read more about H.R. 763, click here
This proposed legislation includes many ideas for meeting our environmental challenges, including:
Repair and upgrade infrastructure in the U.S. to ensure all existing buildings and new buildings in the U.S. achieve maximal energy efficiency.
Invest in the expansion and upgrading of renewable energy sources.
Invest in research and development for clean energy sources.
Invest in the creation of a high-speed rail in order to lower reliance on cars and airplanes.
Support family farming and invest in sustainable land-use and farming practices.
To read more about H.R 109, the Green New Deal, click here
Clearly we need leadership on this issue. We need everyone, government, business, and individuals, to work together to resolve this imminent crisis. Please let me know if you found this email helpful in understanding some of the key legislative proposals regarding this urgent issue. Additionally, if you are interested in getting involved in an organization that focuses on environmental issues, please respond to this letter and we will connect you to a group. I appreciate hearing your thoughts!