Press Release
February 28, 2019
Contact: Alec Gerlach, GerlachA@c2es.org, 703-516-0621

C2ES Outlines Options for Bipartisan Action on Climate Change
Near-Term Steps Toward Long-Term Solutions

Stream Today’s Announcement 2-4 PM: LIVE

WASHINGTON—At an event today on Capitol Hill, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) will release a new policy brief outlining an array of federal actions that could present near-term opportunities for bipartisan progress on climate change.

The options, developed with input from leading companies committed to climate action, include steps on infrastructure, technology innovation, zero-emission vehicles, offshore wind power, efficiency, carbon capture, nuclear energy, methane emissions, and sequestration.

The brief will be released at an event this afternoon with remarks from Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Rep. Francis Rooney (R-Fla.), and representatives of DTE Energy, Entergy, Equinor, Intel, LafargeHolcim and Mars (details below).

“Proposals for carbon pricing and a Green New Deal are driving a vital debate over long-term climate solutions, but we shouldn’t overlook opportunities before us right now for bipartisan progress on meaningful near-term steps,” said C2ES President Bob Perciasepe. “To be effective, our climate solutions must be durable, and that requires bipartisan buy-in. The sooner we begin, the better our chances of success.”

Read the Brief: Near Term Federal Action to Address Climate Action

The brief is part of C2ES’s Climate Innovation 2050 initiative with leading companies focused on U.S. decarbonization challenges and solutions. The options it identifies can reduce emissions in the near term, strengthen the foundation for longer-term solutions, and contribute to U.S. growth and competitiveness. They include:

• Reauthorizing and fully funding the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) and achieving the Mission Innovation goal of doubling investment in low-carbon research, development, demonstration, and deployment;
• Expanding transportation options, including;
  • Extending and reforming the existing tax credit for electric vehicles, and
  • Extending the tax credit for electric vehicle charging and alternative fuel stations;
• Preserving existing nuclear power plants, our largest source of zero-carbon electricity, and developing advanced nuclear technologies;
• Establishing a dedicated investment tax credit for offshore wind development;
• Enacting legislation to facilitate interstate cooperation in building transportation infrastructure for captured carbon dioxide;
• Directing the Farm Service Agency to encourage sequestration through its loan programs to help farmers and forest owners adopt carbon sequestration practices;
• Supporting efforts to foster “intelligent efficiency” and state and local efforts to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes;
• Approving the Kigali Amendment, to phase down use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and providing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with clear authority to implement it; and
• Applying a performance standard to reduce methane emissions from all U.S. oil and gas production. 

Event Details:   Near-Term Climate Action: An Opportunity for Bipartisan Progress

Date:                Thursday, February 28, 2019

Time:               2:00-4:00 p.m. EST

Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBCiGaM37N4

Location:          G-50 Dirksen Senate Office Building
50 Constitution Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20002

Media wishing to attend should RSVP to C2ES communications director Alec Gerlach at GerlachA@c2es.org or 703-516-0621.

 Remarks:

• Senator Tom Carper (D-Delaware)
• Representative Francis Rooney (R-Florida)
• Bob Perciasepe, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions President

Panel:

• DTE Energy: Andrew Coulouris, Director of Federal Affairs
• Entergy: Conrad Schatte, Director of Federal Governmental Affairs
• Equinor: Geir Westgaard, Vice President, Political & Public Affairs
• Intel Corporation: Stephen Harper, Global Director, Environment & Energy Policy
• Lafarge Holcim: Hicks Winters, Director, Government & Public Affairs
• Mars, Inc.: Ashley Allen, Climate and Land Senior Manager

###

About C2ES: The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to forge practical solutions to climate change. Our mission is to advance strong policy and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. Learn more at www.c2es.org.