WASHINGTON (July 25, 2019)— Congressmen Francis Rooney (R-FL) and Daniel W. Lipinski (D-IL) both introduced bipartisan bills today to address climate change. While the details differ between Congressman Rooney’s Stemming Warming and Augmenting Pay Act (SWAP Act) and Congressman Lipinski’s Raise Wages, Cut Carbon Act ( H.R. 3966), both bills would put a meaningful price on carbon that increases over time. Both bills dedicate the bulk of the revenue to reducing payroll taxes for working Americans and their employers. Additional funds will provide needed assistance for R & D for clean energy, adaptation and assistance on energy costs to low-income households.

Below is a statement from Dr. Andrew Steer, President & CEO, World Resources Institute:

“We are encouraged by the bipartisan leadership shown by Congressmen Rooney and Lipinski to come forward with proposals to put a price on carbon. We should be taxing pollution, not taxing employment. This is one of the smartest and most effective steps we can take to reduce carbon emissions. As Americans experience record heatwaves and extreme weather events across the country, they want Congress to act. We need this kind of bipartisan leadership from both parties to bring forward solutions to this urgent crisis.

“These bills would reduce emissions significantly over the coming years by incorporating the costs of climate in everyday business transactions, with the revenue used to reduce payroll taxes paid by employers and employees alike. This type of price on carbon is a cornerstone of a policy portfolio needed to address climate change. We are encouraged that several of the co-sponsors have previously sponsored carbon-pricing bills that use revenue for different purposes, and they are recognizing the need to work together toward an ambitious package.

“With each passing day, the need for action becomes more urgent. This bill, coming on the heels of the announcement earlier this week by the leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee that the committee will be taking up climate legislation this year, can hopefully lay the groundwork for bolder action to come.”