I 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2757 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 8, 2009 Mr. Kind (for himself, Mr. Reichert, Mr. Lipinski, and Mr. Inglis) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means A BILL To require the return to the American people of all proceeds raised under any Federal climate change legislation.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Consumer Assistance Rebate for Energy Act.

2.

Findings

Congress finds the following: (1)It has been well documented that the Earth’s temperature has steadily increased in recent decades and that human activity has contributed to a large degree to this increase. (2)Changes in climate will have wide ranging effects on sea level, precipitation, wildfire, agriculture, ecosystem health and viability, wildlife habitat, and more. (3)Congressional action to reduce national emissions of greenhouse gasses contributing to climate change is necessary and urgent. (4)Such legislation will have impacts on consumers in the form of high prices for energy, transportation, and consumer goods. (5)These impacts will fall most heavily on low-income and middle-income families who are least able to absorb price increases. (6)A national program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should not impose a tax on the American people in order to fund other priorities.

3.

Return of proceeds

Any Federal climate change legislation that is signed into law shall return to the American people all proceeds from the sale of allowances or credits, a tax or fee imposed on greenhouse gas emissions, or other means, through reductions in individual taxes, increases in social security or unemployment benefits, and other direct means.