Rep. Deutch pushes carbon tax to help curb climate change
Supporters say plan would punish polluters, but critics fear it would hurt economy
South Florida congressman Ted Deutch unveiled bipartisan legislation Wednesday that aims to combat climate change by taxing carbon emissions.
The plan is projected to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent over the next 12 years and by 90 percent by 2050, he said.
“The status quo is not sustainable,” said Deutch, a West Boca Democrat. “It is not survivable. … We are nearing a point of no return when it comes to our environment.”
The bill would put a fee of $15 per metric ton of greenhouse gas emissions. That fee would increase by $10 annually. Supporters say the fee would put a price on pollution, forcing companies to change their behavior and reduce emissions.
Proceeds would be directed to the public in the form of a tax rebate, Deutch said.
The bill is also sponsored by U.S. Reps.
Francis Rooney, R-Fla., and Charlie Crist, D-Fla.
While Democrats now control the House, the measure will face an uphill climb in Congress with Republicans retaining control of the Senate.
Opponents argue that a carbon tax would slow economic growth.
The National Climate Assessment, a major government report released Friday, warned that global warming is worsening natural disasters and will eventually cost the nation’s economy hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century.
President Donald Trump dismissed the report released by his administration, telling reporters, “I don’t believe it.”