WASHINGTON – Today the House Energy and Commerce Committee unveiled a framework for the CLEAN Future Act, a climate plan that purports to achieve a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by the year 2050.
Food & Water Action Policy Director Mitch Jones released the following statement:
“There is absolutely no doubt that the world desperately needs bold policies to address the climate crisis. This proposal falls well short of this need. The proposed clean electricity goal represents an insufficient timeline, and could wind up greenwashing an array of dirty energy sources — everything from nuclear power to fracked gas with so-called ‘carbon capture.’ A ‘technology-neutral’ approach leaves us primed for decades more greenhouse gas emissions.
“A bold climate plan must call for a ban on fracking and all new fossil fuel infrastructure, and a swift and just transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy across all sectors of the economy. We have no time to rely on market-based schemes, dubious offset programs or unproven carbon capture technologies designed to prolong the life of the fossil fuel industry.
“As the world’s historical largest emitter of greenhouse gases, we have a moral obligation to move faster and be bolder. This responsibility comes with an opportunity to grow a vibrant clean energy economy that provides millions of good jobs in a fair and just transition.”