Bill pushes for ‘net zero emissions’

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined 32 of her Senate colleagues, led by Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), in introducing legislation that would put the United States on a path to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050.

The Clean Economy Act heeds the call for bold climate action, and at the same time boosts American competitiveness, promotes healthier frontline communities and fosters a growing economy that works for everyone. The Clean Economy Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use existing authorities to put our country on a pathway to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050.

“Let there be no doubt, climate change is a real, immediate and growing threat to national security, public health and our economy. The longer we fail to act, the more costly climate change will be,” said Baldwin. “The Clean Economy Act will help confront the climate crisis by aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. I’m proud to support this effort because taking bold action on climate change is not just an environmental goal for Wisconsin, it is an urgent economic necessity.”

“This legislation would move our country to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions while also empowering American workers and uplifting our most vulnerable communities,” said Carper. “Climate change is the greatest and gravest threat to our planet. We can overcome the climate crisis, but to do that, we need all hands on deck—and we need to right the ship. The Clean Economy Act is one of the quickest ways we can jumpstart government-wide climate action. By using tools already at EPA’s disposal—tools that have been used under this administration to increase global warming pollution instead of decreasing it—we can take on the greatest threat to our planet in a way that grows our economy, supports a strong labor workforce and protects frontline communities.”