Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Donald McEachin (VA-4) introduced the 100% Clean Economy Act, a bill that seeks to move America to a 100 percent clean economy with net-zero emissions by 2050 across all sectors of the economy, including transportation, buildings, and manufacturing, as specified by the IPCC. The bill would also create a commission representative of workforce and environmental justice issues to provide recommendations to Congress.
The bill’s lead co-sponsors include Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Deb Haaland (NM-1), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), with 144 other members of Congress signing on as cosponsors. By signing onto this bill, more than half the Democratic Caucus have cosponsored the 100% Clean Economy Act, signaling strong support for transition the economy to clean energy by mid-century.
Currently, one in four Americans live in a community committed to a transition to 100% clean energy.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“The 100% Clean Economy Act further elevates the clean energy progress happening in cities and states across the country while acting at the speed and scale science requires to avoid the worst consequences of the climate crisis. This legislation presents an opportunity to tackle the climate crisis while providing federal leadership towards the creation of a new energy system. By doing so, the 100% Clean Economy Act will lift up communities facing the worst of the climate crisis, create new jobs, drive American innovation, reduce air and water pollution, and protect the beautiful places we enjoy.
“From deadly hurricanes in the southeast, to floods in the midwest, to wildfires and droughts in the west, Americans across the country are demanding climate action louder than ever before because they’re already living with its catastrophic effects. Every person in this country should be able to breathe clean air, have affordable energy bills, and realize the benefits of a strong, thriving local economy. This bill demonstrates that members of Congress are listening to the public, responding to science, and taking action.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.