Weekly Briefing: Sen. Durbin Introduces Carbon Pricing Bill

 March 10, 2021

In a sign that carbon pricing is gaining momentum in discussions about climate legislation in Congress, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced the America’s Clean Future Fund Act.

Sen. Durbin’s bill would impose an upstream fee on carbon starting at $25 per ton in 2023 and increasing $10 per ton annually. The bulk of the revenue — 75 percent — would be given to low- and medium-income households in quarterly payments to offset higher energy costs. The remainder of the revenue would fund climate mitigation and adaptation projects, assist in the transition of fossil fuel-reliant communities and support farmers in using climate-friendly practices.

This is one of several anticipated carbon pricing bills that our volunteers will discuss with senators in lobby meetings the week of March 22. You can help get that conversation going with an email to your senators today! 

Use our online tool to write to your senators about this new legislation, and ask them to support a price on carbon pollution. Write To Senators.
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In other news this week:

Unlock your $3-to-$1 gift match: This is a make or break year for our climate. And now, you can have an even greater impact. Become a CCL monthly Evergreen Donor and your gift will be matched $3-to-$1 for 3 months! Sign up to donate today.

New hires at CCL: We’re pleased to announce that Drew Eyerly has been hired as CCL’s Conservative Outreach Director and Jamari Hartley is the new Government Affairs Coordinator in CCL’s D.C. office.

Climate Advocacy Fellowship: CCL is now recruiting climate advocacy fellows in seven states, offering a $4,000 stipend. Learn more and apply here.

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Take action this week 

If you have a little time: Share our new video of Sen. Mitt Romney on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. The video highlights Romney’s recent support for carbon fee and dividend. Sharing it will spread the word that effective carbon pricing has support among Republicans as well as Democrats.

If you have more time: Join our online March national meeting this Saturday with UC San Diego Professor Jennifer Burney, who studies how to increase global food security and mitigate climate change. The call is March 13 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. You can join from your computer or phone. Learn more and add to your own calendar. 

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This week on the CCL Blog 

U.S. Chamber shifts on climate policy: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently announced that it would support a market-based approach to solving climate change. CCL chapters are leveraging the group’s new stance to build support for carbon-pricing legislation. Read more.

CCL staff expands: Some new additions to CCL’s staff have improved our capacity in key areas. Those additions include: Kelsey Grant, Conservative Outreach Coordinator; Patricia Rubio, Diversity and Inclusion Program Coordinator; and Perry Hodgkins Jones, Donor Relations Officer. Read more.