Now that the Congress has passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the action on Capitol Hill turns towards the Build Back Better Act. The billions of investment contained in the infrastructure bill are expected to build momentum to help the U.S. achieve its 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target, but have less impact on our ability to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. The BBB Act on the other hand, contains close to $550B for proactive steps to reduce U.S. carbon emissions near term.
One policy being actively discussed to strengthen the climate change impact of the Build Back Better Act is the inclusion of a price on greenhouse gas pollution, principally carbon dioxide. Referred to as a “carbon price,” it would begin to send a price signal to markets to begin the transition away from fossil fuels and towards conservation, efficiency, and renewables. Independent analyses have concluded that a carbon price is needed along with other features in the bill to meet President Biden’s goal of reducing U.S. carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
If you support the idea of putting a price on carbon, Citizens’ Climate Lobby has made it easy for you to call your senators, your representatives, and the White House to let them know you support it. Just go to www.cclusa.org/senate-call and follow the screens.
This is a critical time in discussions in the Congress for climate action. Washington has never been so close to such transformative climate legislation before. Every voice matters and every senator and representative matters, even those in deep blue Massachusetts. Call today. Thanks.
Gary Rucinski is the Citizens’ Climate Lobby Massachusetts State Coordinator.
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