climate legislation
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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.
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.
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Lawmakers target fossil fuel companies to fund climate disaster recovery
State legislators are pushing for laws that would make fossil fuel companies financially responsible for climate change-related disasters.
In short:
- Advanced "attribution science" enables precise measurement of damages from climate disasters, directly linking them to specific companies' emissions.
- Vermont leads with proposed legislation, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow in holding fossil fuel companies accountable.
- The proposed laws could lead to significant financial contributions from these companies for disaster relief and preventive measures.
Key quote:
“This is a growing field, and it’s a game changer for addressing climate change.”
— Delta Merner, lead scientist for the Science Hub for Climate Litigation at the Union of Concerned Scientists
Why this matters:
By holding companies responsible for their role in climate change, legislators aim to mitigate adverse health effects and safety risks associated with extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, which are intensified by climate change. Such legislation can incentivize fossil fuel companies to adopt more sustainable practices, reducing environmental damage and promoting conservation efforts.
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| BigStock Photo ID: 275305168 |
| Copyright: Paul Brady |
‘Green amendments’: advocates push for constitutional guarantees in face of climate crisis
As Montana awaits a judgment in a historic climate lawsuit, there’s a drive to place environmental provisions in state constitutions.
Why Manchin backed off on his top priority
Facing the apparent limits of his leverage after 20 months exerting it over a 50-50 Senate, the West Virginia centrist strategically retreated on energy permitting.
Senate approves first climate treaty in decades
While the Senate is badly divided on most climate issues, strong backing from the business community to eliminate hydrofluorocarbons.
California oil and trades union alliance threatens oil setbacks bill
Labor opposition could diminish Gov. Newsom's climate package.
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Climate activists grapple with compromise
The climate movement is on the brink of its biggest legislative success. But tensions within the movement have also emerged in recent days as activists grapple with the challenge of figuring out what comes next.
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