releases: http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-files-legislation-to-help-states-respond-to-climate-change-reduce
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| http://delaney.house.gov//news/press-releases/delaney-files-legislation-to-help-states-respond-to-climate-change-reduce | Delaney Files Legislation to Help States Respond to Climate Change, Reduce Pollution | 2014-12-05 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | MD | John Delaney | D000620 | delaney.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has filed legislation designed to help states combat climate change and meet new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements on greenhouse gas emissions. In June, the EPA proposed new regulations for existing power plans under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The State’s Choice Act mandates that the EPA allow a state level excise tax as a compliance option. “Climate change is a threat to our economy, our public health, our food supply and our national security; it’s imperative that we respond before it is too late,” said Congressman Delaney. “The good news is that we can turn this challenge into a massive economic opportunity by unleashing the greatest scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs in the world right here in the United States and put the power of the market behind them. As an entrepreneur with deep private sector experience, I understand that markets are very powerful and that if we create the right incentives, industry will respond very quickly. Allocating the true cost to greenhouse gas pollution is the most effective and efficient way of reducing emissions. The State’s Choice Act will give states another means of meeting new EPA requirements, encourage market-driven solutions and facilitate a new approach that can be used to spur economic growth at the same time. We would expect the revenues generated from a state level excise tax on carbon, when combined with regulatory savings, will allow states to reduce other taxes to citizens and businesses and invest in key growth priorities like education and infrastructure.” Earlier this month, Delaney wrote to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, asking that the agency give “strong consideration to allowing states the additional compliance option of placing a price on greenhouse gas emissions.” The State’s Choice Act: The legislation requires that the EPA offer states the option of imposing a state level excise tax on greenhouse gas emissions from regulated sources as a way to comply with regulations under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The state-imposed carbon tax rate must be no less than $20 per metric ton of carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide equivalent in 2015 and higher each subsequent year by a rate no less than 4% above inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Under the legislation, this tax rate will be reevaluated in 2025 to ensure that each state that has implemented a tax is on track to achieve their emissions reduction goal by 2030. The legislation imposes no new requirement upon states, it simply gives them an additional option. Benefits The State’s Choice Act benefits the environment because a carbon tax ensures that the true cost of carbon, including its health and environmental costs are accounted for using market forces to incentivize reduced emissions. Individual states benefit from the State’s Choice Act because they receive additional flexibility when developing their State Implementation Plan for EPA compliance. States can also potentially reduce administrative costs and use the revenues from the carbon tax to reduce other taxes and mitigate increased energy costs. Alternative energy producers benefit from the State’s Choice Act because they will be placed on a level playing field once the true cost of carbon is accounted for, allowing them to compete on their merits. The State’s Choice Act will provide all energy producers and related businesses with greater cost-certainty, which will allow them to adjust more easily to new emissions requirements. Consumers benefit from the robust market competition created by the State’s Choice Act, which will further facilitate the U.S. taking the lead in advanced energy technology, driving down clean energy costs. ## | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |