House
passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) was a
useful step forward in the fight against climate change because America
cannot afford further delays in limiting greenhouse gas emissions, nor
in reducing the country’s dangerous dependence on oil and securing its
economic future by developing advanced energy technologies.
Broader
support for climate legislation is necessary, however, to ensure Senate
passage. Winning broader support would require Senate Democrats to make
a good-faith effort to engage Republicans and Republicans to put
forward credible, positive ideas for improving the legislation.
Here are key principles to follow for crafting climate legislation that could win bipartisan support:
Keep It Simple
– What the legislation would do and how it would work should be simple
enough to explain in an elevator ride. Pare back the bill’s overly
complex and prescriptive provisions in order to address concerns about
equity, reduce the chances of unintended consequences, and build
political goodwill.
Make It More Revenue-Neutral – Return the majority of revenues raised from sale of emissions allowances or, alternatively, from a carbon tax to citizens.
Go Low Carbon
– Include measures to expand the use of low-carbon energy sources,
including nuclear and renewables. Measures could include more funding
for advanced technology research and development and expanded loan
guarantees.
Finally, congressional sponsors of climate
legislation must do a better job of explaining the concrete benefits of
shifting away from conventional fossil fuels. Returning the majority of
climate revenues to the taxpayers will give the public a direct
economic stake in reducing carbon emissions. Reducing oil dependence
will help America achieve energy independence. Developing advanced
energy technologies will create new industries and jobs.
Climate
legislation will have sweeping impacts on America’s security, economy,
and quality of life for decades to come. It’s important to craft
legislation that will earn the broadest possible support.
