Washington, DC (July 23, 2018) – The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) applauded the introduction today of the Republican-led MARKET CHOICE Act by Rep. Carlos Curbelo (FL-26).
Contact: Adlai Amor, Friends Committee on National Legislation, media@fcnl.org; 202-903-2536
Contact: Adlai Amor, Friends Committee on National Legislation, media@fcnl.org; 202-903-2536
“The MARKET CHOICE Act marks an important milestone in congressional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change by pricing carbon emissions,” said Diane Randall, FCNL Executive Secretary. “FCNL is eager to engage with Rep. Curbelo and all legislators as they consider this and other climate policies to reduce the impact of climate change and help us to be better stewards of our planet.”
The proposed bill is the first Republican-led effort in a decade to price carbon. This bill would increase the demand for cleaner energy. Columbia University projects it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 30 percent to 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
However, Congress must ultimately enact more robust legislation to reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
The MARKET CHOICE Act replaces the current gas tax with a price on carbon dioxide to make up for the funding shortfall for transportation infrastructure. This bill is expected to generate over $100 billion dollars annually in additional revenue over ten years. It will be used to fund the Highway Trust Fund, energy assistance for low-income communities, climate adaptation, and clean energy research and development.
“We believe it is critical to ensure that low-income communities are not harmed and will see a benefit from climate legislation. We are pleased that Rep. Curbelo’s bill provides energy assistance to these communities,” said Randall.
MARKET CHOICE Act stands for the Modernizing America With Rebuilding to Kick-start the Economy of the Twenty-first Century with a Historic Infrastructure-Centered Expansion Act.
“We have a moral obligation to address climate change and protect vulnerable communities. Pricing carbon is one essential mechanism, and I am grateful for Rep. Curbelo’s leadership,” said Emily Wirzba, FCNL’s Legislative Representative for Sustainable Energy and Environment. “FCNL encourages lawmakers to leverage the MARKET CHOICE Act as a platform for constructive bipartisan debate to ultimately pass robust climate legislation.”
Founded in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), FCNL lobbies Congress and the administration for U.S. policies that advance peace, justice, and good government.