WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) helped to introduce the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 as an original co-sponsor. The science-based legislation sets a nationwide goal of achieving a 100% clean energy economy by 2050, an urgent deadline to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change as outlined by the Fourth National Climate Assessment, the 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC), and the Paris Climate Accords.
The legislation directs all federal agencies to immediately use their existing authorities to put the United States on a path towards a 100% clean energy economy, defined as net-zero climate pollution across all sectors, while remaining technology-neutral. By incentivizing solutions instead specific approaches, the 100% Clean Economy Act creates a competitive landscape for all technology aimed at combating climate change and cleaning up our environment.
“When it comes to our climate, habitat, and economy, we are living in an era of great opportunity – and great consequence,” said Phillips. “The leaders of tomorrow’s economy will be those who take climate action today. We must swiftly and justly transition to a clean energy economy that benefits all communities, creates good-paying jobs, and is in line with what the science demands. I am committed to ensuring that the United States remains a leader in climate change innovation, and I am proud to co-sponsor this important legislation to help our country transition to a 100% clean energy economy by 2050.”
The 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 lays out principles for federal agency action, including, but not limited to:
- improving public health, especially for low-income and rural communities, communities of color, Tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations;
- enhancing job creation and ensuring an equitable transition for workers in industries and communities affected by changes in the economy;
- providing benefits for consumers, small businesses, and rural communities; and
- preparing communities for the impacts and risks of climate change.
Additionally, the legislation directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate agency plans, make recommendations to strengthen them as needed, and report each year on the progress made toward a 100 percent clean energy economy.
Phillips is a member of the New Democrat Coalition Climate Change Task Force, recently hosted a public community conversation on environmental innovation, and is a strong supporter of market-based climate change solutions in Congress.
More than 150 members of Congress have co-sponsored and the bill, which is led by Representatives Donald McEachin (VA-04), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Deb Haaland (NM-01), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Chellie Pingree (ME-01).