House bill would allow states to use a carbon tax to comply with the Clean Power Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.) introduced H.R. 5796, State’s Choice Act of 2014, which would expressly allow states to implement a carbon tax as a means of complying with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan regulating existing power plants. The EPA’s current proposed rule does not explicitly allow the use of a carbon tax, which could make states reticent to propose a tax as a compliance mechanism. Rep. Delaney’s bill would make clear to states that the EPA will accept a suitable carbon tax for compliance.
Providing states the option to use a carbon tax to comply with the Clean Power Plan is within the EPA’s legal authority.
Friends of the Earth’s Climate and energy campaigner Kate DeAngelis offers the following statement in support of Rep. Delaney’s bill:
Rep. Delaney’s bill would give states confidence that the EPA will accept their use of a carbon tax. A robust carbon tax would significantly reduce emissions and encourage the transition away from dirty fossil fuels towards clean renewable energy like wind and solar. While a carbon tax is not a silver bullet for dealing with climate disruption, putting a price on carbon is an essential component of any plan to achieve the emissions reductions we need.
###
Expert Contact: Kate DeAngelis, (202) 222-0747, [email protected]
Communications Contact: Kate Colwell, (202) 222-0744, [email protected]