[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1057-E1058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF THE AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY CARBON FEE ACT

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2017

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, this administration has made attacking 
the environment and rolling back progress we've made fighting climate 
change one of its top priorities. The most recent example is the U.S. 
withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. They're taking us 
backwards. Future generations will shoulder the devastation of 
increased temperatures, rising sea levels, and environmental 
degradation.
  We can't deny modern science. Human activities, including the burning 
of fossil fuels, are contributing to climate change. The United States 
is a major contributor to global carbon pollution and shows little sign 
of stopping. We have a moral responsibility to reverse this trend and 
place sensible limits on emissions.
  In the absence of leadership from the White House, Congress must step 
up. That's why this week, my colleague Representative David Cicilline 
and I are joining our colleagues, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Brian 
Schatz, in introducing legislation to finally put a clear price on 
carbon pollution and begin to drastically lower our emissions.
  The American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act would place a $49 fee on 
every metric ton of carbon emissions starting in 2018. This fee would 
increase every year to ensure that polluters pay their fair share. It 
also levels the playing field by pricing dirty energy accurately--so 
clean energy can better compete. To ensure that the American people 
aren't hurt by this price on carbon, part of the fee would be returned 
to the public every year as a refundable tax credit. Additional funds 
would be used to help vulnerable communities who might be impacted by 
higher heating and electricity bills.
  Putting a price on emissions is a crucial element of our transition 
to a low carbon future, helping us not just stave off the worst impacts 
of climate change, but also grow the ``clean economy,'' create jobs, 
and save money.
  Reducing the amount of carbon that we put into the air is just one 
part of the fight against climate change. When paired with investments 
in public transit, affordable housing, and clean energy jobs, 
particularly in those communities most impacted by climate change, this 
bill can kick-start much needed climate action.
  I am under no illusion that this bill will move to the floor as is, 
but this is an important step to engaging in a bipartisan, bicameral 
discussion on how to best put a price on carbon. It's time to wake up, 
and I urge my colleagues to join us in finally taking meaningful 
Congressional action to address climate change.

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