No one can deny the impact that climate change is having in the Pacific Northwest and across the world. Sea levels are rising, our oceans are becoming more acidic, and we are seeing an increase in insect outbreaks and tree diseases. This endangers not only our local economy, potentially costing us thousands of jobs, but also the health of our families and communities. I support President Biden’s actions to combat climate change and renew American leadership on this issue globally.
In Washington, we have an educated workforce, advanced manufacturing, and growing technology industry, which make us poised to be a leader in the emerging green economy. Energy policy is deeply tied to addressing climate change. To make America a green, energy-independent global leader, we must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil. This means investing in clean, renewable energy. It’s urgent that we transform our economy into one based on clean and renewable energy sources for the security and health of future generations.
The Inflation Reduction Act is delivering the largest federal investment to combat climate change. This law will help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 40 percent by 2030.
Additionally, I introduced legislation that would make American companies more competitive in the global marketplace and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by imposing a fee on energy-intensive imports. This critical legislation would help level the playing field for domestic manufacturers who are decarbonizing but being undercut by dirtier goods produced abroad.
These are all bold steps in the right direction, but more will still need to be done. I will continue working with my colleagues to build a new green economy and find innovative solutions to address climate change that will ensure our energy independence, protect our health, and preserve our planet for the future.
Energy policy is deeply tied to addressing climate change. To make America a green, energy-independent global leader, we must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil. This means investing in clean, renewable energy. It’s urgent that we transform our economy into one based on clean and renewable energy sources for the security and health of future generations.
I worked with my colleagues to draft the GREEN Act which was included in the Build Back Better Act that passed the House of Representatives in November 2021. This bill is part of a comprehensive approach to combating climate change using the tax code to incentivize renewable energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
