Alliance to Save Energy applauds introduction of carbon proposal
The Alliance to Save Energy released a statement Monday from President Jason Hartke applauding Rep. Carlos Curbelo’s (R-FL) recent introduction of a carbon tax proposal.
“Rep. Curbelo deserves a lot of credit for having the courage to put forward a bill that recognizes the threat and looming costs associated with climate change – costs that will be left to future generations unless we take action,” Hartke said. “It is truly refreshing to see someone working toward creative, bipartisan solutions to this critical challenge.”
The proposal would create a carbon emissions tax of $24 per metric ton escalating annually. Revenues would go toward a variety of purposes, including 1.5 percent, or approximately $15 billion through 2030, for weatherizing homes.
“Energy efficiency is the fastest, cheapest, easiest and most abundant way to tackle climate change,” Hartke said. “So we’re particularly pleased that Rep. Curbelo is recognizing the value of efficiency in his bill by dedicating some of the revenues toward weatherizing homes. This would help improve the lives of millions of Americans by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes and saving them money. It would also create an engine of economic growth in communities across the country, creating thousands of local jobs. By igniting energy efficiency and realizing its enormous untapped economic opportunity, we can make our country stronger, more productive and more competitive.”
