Sen. Bernie Sanders wants to create a “carbon pollution fee,” suggesting that it could significantly curb carbon emissions over the next three decades.
The Vermont Independent senator, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, has introduced legislation that would require fossil fuel producers to pay for the carbon they emit starting at $15 per ton in 2017.
{mosads}”If we are going to be serious about dealing with the threat of climate change, we need to end the polluter welfare that subsidizes increased pollution from fossil fuels and instead invest those resources in clean energy solutions that reduce pollution,” Sanders said from the Senate floor.
Sanders estimates that his legislation would be able to curb carbon emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels by 2050.
Money from his “carbon pollution fee” would be given to households that make less than $100,000 per year to help offset any fee hikes from energy companies.
The legislation would also give billions in funding to help low-income communities make their homes more energy efficient.
Sanders legislation faces an uphill climb in a Republican-controlled Senate. Taking a swipe at this colleagues on Thursday, he suggested that their opposition to climate change legislation is tied to campaign donors.
“This has nothing to do with science and it has sadly and tragically everything to do with our corrupt campaign finance laws which allow large corporations and billionaires to contribute as much money as they want into the political process,” he added.