Statement: Senate introduces Clean Economy Act

Environment Iowa

WASHINGTON — A new bill, introduced today by Sen. Tom Carper and co-sponsored by 33 members, calls for a national goal of net zero emissions of global warming pollution in the United States by midcentury. 

If passed into law, the Clean Economy Act of 2020 would require the Environmental Protection Agency to create a plan, using existing authorities, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. This date is in line with the deadline the world’s top climate scientists have given in order to keep global warming below 1.5 Celsius and avert the worst impacts of climate change.

Len Montgomery, Field Director, Environment Iowa, issued the following statement: 

“As global warming pollution reaches new heights, our federal leaders must follow the lead of states across the nation who have made climate solutions a top priority, and they must do it quickly. By cosponsoring and supporting the Clean Economy Act, senators will put the American government’s might behind the great work that’s being done in states across the country. Record-breaking extreme weather is devastating families and communities across the country. Before it’s too late, our congressional leaders – including Senators Ernst and Grassley – must step up and and counter the existential threat of climate change by joining Sen. Carper in clearly supporting the essential goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.” 

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Environment Iowa is a citizen based advocacy organization that works to protect our clean air, water, and open space.