Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Beyer Introduce Bill to Address Climate Change

Today, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Don Beyer (D–VA–08) introduced the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act to reduce climate pollution and protect Americans from the threat of climate change.

The bill would establish a schedule to cut carbon dioxide emissions from coal, oil and natural gas – leading to an 80 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 2005 levels by the year 2040. The bill also directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address methane and other greenhouse gases not covered by the bill’s cap.

EDF Action applauds the lawmakers for their continuing efforts to address the dangers of climate change.  We especially appreciate that the bill guarantees its emissions reductions by placing an enforceable declining cap on the emissions allowed each year.

‘The Van Hollen–Beyer legislation is a serious proposal to reduce climate pollution, protect our children’s future, and boost job-creating clean energy solutions. We look forward to working with the authors and all Members of Congress to advance climate policy,” said Elizabeth Gore, EDF Action’s Senior Vice President, Political Affairs. “We hope this bill and any other serious proposal will be given a fair hearing in the Senate and the House of Representatives, and we hope Senator Van Hollen’s and Representative Beyer’s example will encourage members on both sides of the aisle to provide the kind of leadership on climate change that America needs.”