CCL Statement on House Passage of ‘Build Back Better’
by Steve Valk, Communications Coordinator for Citizen’s Climate Lobby
Citizens’ Climate Lobby appreciates that Congress continues to work hard on a budget reconciliation bill that includes historic levels of climate investment. President Biden has pledged to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2030, and the House passage of the Build Back Better Act is an important step toward that goal. Still, we are concerned that the investments listed in this legislation will not reduce emissions enough to actually keep that promise.
We are encouraged that Senators are seriously considering putting a price on corporate carbon emissions. This policy would deliver crucial additional emissions cuts without increasing the legislation’s price tag. In fact, a carbon price would generate huge amounts of revenue — a substantial portion of which could go in the pockets of low- and middle-income Americans.
Recent reporting confirms that there is strong support among Senate Democrats for this policy. It’s also popular with Americans nationwide—73 percent support taxing corporations based on their carbon emissions. It’s time to implement this essential tool, which will help meet our climate goals and help the budget reconciliation bill cross the finish line.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby appreciates that Congress continues to work hard on a budget reconciliation bill that includes historic levels of climate investment. President Biden has pledged to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2030, and the House passage of the Build Back Better Act is an important step toward that goal. Still, we are concerned that the investments listed in this legislation will not reduce emissions enough to actually keep that promise.
We are encouraged that Senators are seriously considering putting a price on corporate carbon emissions. This policy would deliver crucial additional emissions cuts without increasing the legislation’s price tag. In fact, a carbon price would generate huge amounts of revenue — a substantial portion of which could go in the pockets of low- and middle-income Americans.
Recent reporting confirms that there is strong support among Senate Democrats for this policy. It’s also popular with Americans nationwide—73 percent support taxing corporations based on their carbon emissions. It’s time to implement this essential tool, which will help meet our climate goals and help the budget reconciliation bill cross the finish line.
