[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 19 (Monday, January 29, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S551-S552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. VAN HOLLEN:
  S. 2352. A bill to cap the emissions of greenhouse gases through a 
requirement to purchase carbon permits, to distribute the proceeds of 
such purchases to eligible individuals, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Finance.
  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, climate change is a clear and present 
danger, but we can confront that danger in a way that presents new 
economic opportunities. While the Trump Administration has abdicated 
American leadership on this critical issue, Congress must fight back, 
which is why today I am introducing the Healthy Climate and Family 
Security Act for the first time in the U.S. Senate.
  Two of the most pressing challenges we face as a Nation are the need 
to address the economic costs and public health risks associated with 
climate change, and to strengthen the middle class. We do both in this 
bill. By capping carbon emissions, selling permits, and returning 100 
percent of the revenue to everyone equally, this `Cap and Dividend' 
approach achieves necessary greenhouse gas reductions while boosting 
the purchasing power of families across the country.
  Mr. President, the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act is a 
simple, effective, and transparent way to combat climate change while 
supporting economic growth and a thriving middle class. The solution is 
market based, pro-growth, and is built to last.
  The bill achieves reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while 
increasing incomes for Americans. It places a declining cap on carbon 
pollution each year to reach 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. A 
polluter pays principle is then applied by requiring the first sellers 
of carbon to buy permits for emissions within those caps. Finally, 100 
percent of the revenue raised from the sale of those permits is 
returned straight to the American people through a Healthy Climate 
Dividend. On an economy-wide level, the price signal placed on carbon 
pollution will accelerate innovation and incentivize both greater 
energy efficiency as well as greater use of lower-carbon energy 
alternatives. And the bill's robust border adjustment protections 
ensure that U.S. companies are not disadvantaged against foreign 
competitors at home or abroad.
  In sum, this legislation puts a price on carbon pollution and returns 
the proceeds directly to the American people at the same time it 
accelerates the growth of good paying jobs in clean technologies. It is 
a win-win-win, boosting middle class pocketbooks, growing good paying 
jobs, and reducing our carbon footprint.

[[Page S552]]

  Mr. President, I am pleased that Representative Don Beyer of 
Virginia, a strong advocate for the environment, is introducing a 
companion measure in the House. I want to thank Mike Tidwell of the 
Chesapeake Climate Action Network, who has been helpful in developing 
this legislation. Other organizations such as the League of 
Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club are supportive of this 
approach. I look forward to working together to address the most 
pressing environmental problem of our time: climate change.

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