Statement: Clean Energy Future through Innovation Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Representatives McKinley (R-WV) and Schrader (D-Or) reintroduced the Clean Energy Future through Innovation Act. In addition to expanding fossil fuel subsidies, this bill proposes a Clean Energy Standard that sets the target of 80 percent clean energy by 2050. This is the third, and least ambitious, federal energy standard proposed by the House of Representatives this year. 

Sarah Lutz, Climate Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, issued the following statement in response: 

This so-called “Clean” Energy Standard is a blatant giveaway to dirty energy. We need to invest in proven energies like wind and solar, rather than subsidizing fossil fuels, nukes, and carbon capture. 

The bill follows a 2050 timeline, which scientists say is incompatible with efforts to stem the worst effects of the climate crisis. In addition to expanding tax subsidies for CCS and nuclear, the carbon intensity that the bill qualifies as “clean” would allow  all uncaptured fracked gas to generate tradeable credits, further undermining the bill’s 80 percent by 2050 clean energy target. 

Communication contact: Kaela Bamberger, [email protected], 202-222-0703