Legislation sponsored on Dec. 7 by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) would create the bipartisan National Climate Commission to decrease the impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while making critical investments in American infrastructure.
Specifically, the Modernizing America with Rebuilding to Kickstart the Economy of the Twenty-first Century with a Historic Infrastructure-Centered Expansion Act, or the MARKET CHOICE Act, H.R. 6665, would eliminate the gas tax in exchange for implementing a tax on GHG emissions.
“Our bipartisan MARKET CHOICE Act lays out a bold, comprehensive framework for how the United States can improve affordability for American families, create innovative new job opportunities, further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and substantively invest in our physical infrastructure for generations to come,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “I am grateful to Rep. Carbajal and all our partners for their leadership on this equally bold and practical approach to the climate and infrastructure challenges ahead.”
H.R. 6665 is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), who said the bill is a crucial way to move the ball forward while revitalizing the nation’s infrastructure and promoting prosperity.
“Not only will this bill tackle carbon pollution, it will also create economic opportunities for communities like mine on the Central Coast and support thousands of good-paying jobs to make sure our clean energy transition is one that grows our middle class, as well,” he said.
The bill has been endorsed by the Niskanen Center, the Alliance for Market Solutions, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, the Climate Leadership Council, the Evangelical Environmental Network, the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, the World Resources Institute, and Young Conservatives for Carbon Dividends.