House Bill Would Shift America Entirely to Clean Energy By 2050

Environment America

Today, Representatives Jared Polis (CO), Jared Huffman (CA), Raul Grijalva (AZ) and Pramila Jayapal (WA) introduced a bill to phase out fossil fuels and completely replace them with clean, renewable energy by 2050. The bill would put in place a comprehensive plan to ramp up renewable energy and energy efficiency, and the electrification of transportation and heating, while putting a halt to the development of fossil fuel infrastructure. It also includes provisions to train workers in the transition to clean energy to encourage the deployment of clean energy in disadvantaged communities. It is a companion to the Senate “100 by ’50 Act” introduced by Senators Merkley (OR), Markey (MA), Sanders (VT) and Booker (NJ) in April.

Environment America applauded the members of Congress for their leadership in introducing the bill, and energy program director Rob Sargent issued the following statement:

“The reality is inescapable: fossil fuels pollute our air, water and land, threatening our health and changing our climate even faster than scientists predicted,” said Rob Sargent, energy program director for Environment America.  “But we can have healthier communities today and a livable future for our kids.  In order to do that, we need to transform how we produce and consume energy.  That starts with a commitment to move toward 100 percent clean, renewable energy. The 100 by 50 bill puts forward the right goal. Clean energy is on the rise, its costs are declining. Given the environmental benefits, it should be the go-to energy option for business, utilities, government and households across the country.  It won’t be easy.  But, we have no choice. Every day the urgency of our environmental challenges becomes clearer. That’s why we’re ready to work to move America to a future powered with clean, renewable energy.”