New Carbon Tax Bill Shields Polluters, Pours Gasoline on Climate "Fire"
07.23.18
Statement by Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director, Food & Water Watch
Washington, D.C. – “Today, Rep. Carlos Curbelo unveiled deceptive carbon tax legislation that would allow business-as-usual greenhouse gas emissions under a complicated pricing scheme. We don’t need a price on carbon: we need strong regulations to start phasing down fossil fuels, starting today.
“Rep. Curbelo’s bill would gut environmental protections aimed at curtailing emissions, like the Clean Air Act, and would leave fossil fuel interests free to pay to pollute instead.
“Leaving our climate emergency to the marketplace is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline. That’s why ExxonMobil and others support a carbon tax: they simply don’t work. British Columbia’s failed attempt at carbon pricing didn’t result in any emissions reductions, leaving everyday people to bear increased energy and transportation costs. This regressive pricing approach harms people just trying to get to work or heat their homes, while communities near polluting infrastructure continue to suffer as the climate worsens. The companies in the middle continue to operate profitably because they can pass on increased costs to consumers.
“This is why dozens of environmental justice and civil rights organizations recently urged the Congressional Progressive Caucus not to support a carbon tax. There is an equitable and just federal solution to climate change on the table that protects people, not polluters. If Rep. Curbelo is serious about tackling the climate crisis, we urge him to co-sponsor the Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act.
“Unfortunately, we don’t expect Rep. Curbelo to sign on to that bill anytime soon. Any bill that guts regulations that can really work to reduce carbon pollution is not a good faith effort to address the climate crisis.”
Food & Water Watch champions healthy food and clean water for all. We stand up to corporations that put profits before people, and advocate for a democracy that improves people’s lives and protects our environment.
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Contact: Darcey Rakestraw, 202-683-2467; [email protected]
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