NEW YORK — “The Market Alternative Act represents essential progress for a world in disaster that wants quick aid,” mentioned David Yarnold, president and CEO of the Nationwide Audubon Society. “We can’t afford to attend for a super answer when a warming local weather is actively threatening all dwelling issues. That is common sense, bipartisan laws that’s stronger than its predecessor invoice from final 12 months, and we help this as a much-needed step ahead.”
The Market Alternative Act was launched within the U.S. Home of Representatives as we speak, presenting a welcome alternative for a powerful, bipartisan answer to lowering dangerous greenhouse gasoline emissions that threaten each wildlife and folks. The invoice is a revised model of one which was launched final 12 months, and would set a carbon tax of $35 per ton of carbon dioxide. The invoice’s sponsors are Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Francis Rooney (FL-19), and Scott Peters (CA-52).
The invoice would additionally make investments income from the carbon tax in infrastructure that may shield coastal communities from storms and sea-level rise, and in packages to assist low-income households with their power payments.
There may be additionally a conditional moratorium on EPA regulation of stationary sources — amenities like energy vegetation and factories — for the aim of lowering carbon and different greenhouse gasoline emissions. The invoice doesn’t prohibit the EPA from regulating emissions for different functions, like air high quality requirements that assist cut back greenhouse gasoline emissions. .
“We acknowledge that in an intensely partisan second just like the one wherein we at the moment discover ourselves, compromise is usually essential to maneuver ahead,” mentioned Yarnold. “Local weather change is the most important risk to birds and the locations they should survive. Whereas we proceed to have critical considerations about a number of the provisions – notably these round carbon seize and storage, and the breadth of help for low-income households – we welcome the introduction of this invoice to maintain this dialog going, and look ahead to open and trustworthy discussions because it strikes via the legislative course of.
“There is no such thing as a straightforward answer to an issue as large as local weather change, however it’s heartening to have a sound framework to start out from just like the one urged on this invoice.”
About Audubon
The Nationwide Audubon Society protects birds and the locations they want, as we speak and tomorrow. Audubon works all through the Americas utilizing science, advocacy, schooling, and on-the-ground conservation. State packages, nature facilities, chapters, and companions give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches hundreds of thousands of individuals every year to tell, encourage, and unite numerous communities in conservation motion. A nonprofit conservation group since 1905, Audubon believes in a world wherein folks and wildlife thrive. Be taught extra at www.audubon.org and on Fb, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
Media Contact: Robyn Shepherd, robyn.shepherd@audubon.org