Schumer plans renewed climate efforts if Democrats win big in November

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has promised to prioritize new federal climate legislation if Democrats regain control of Congress and the White House this fall.

Emma Dumain reports for E&E News.

In short:

• Schumer aims to push for a climate bill that could achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050 if Democrats secure a governing trifecta.
• The bill might revive measures like the Civilian Climate Corps and Clean Electricity Performance Program, previously excluded from the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Schumer also hopes to pass a rail safety bill, though bipartisan support remains uncertain.

Key quote:

“My North Star in doing the IRA … was 40 percent reduction in the amount of carbon that goes into the atmosphere by 2030.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader

Why this matters:

If Democrats win in November, the potential for significant climate action increases, affecting national and global efforts to combat climate change. Schumer’s push for zero carbon emissions by 2050 could reshape U.S. climate policy.