U.S. Senator Tina Smith: Now is the Time For Congress to Enact a Clean Electricity Standard

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith--a longtime leader in pushing the nation toward a clean energy economy--said now is the time for Congress to enact a Clean Electricity Standard (CES), and today she released a new summary on how a CES would put the United States at the forefront of technology innovation, and create millions of good-paying jobs.

You can access the summary here.

"We can either lead or follow when it comes to the clean energy transition. I want us to lead," said Sen. Smith. "And Minnesotans understand that clean energy is key to our economic future. A federal Clean Electricity Standard--in addition to creating jobs AND driving innovation--would provide for affordable energy, fight climate change, and reduce air and water pollution. I'm pleased that my CES bill was supported by environmental groups, utility providers, and labor unions--the broad support necessary for it to be implemented. Now it's time for Congress to enact a CES."

In 2019, Sen. Smith introduced legislation to establish a federal CES to achieve net-zero emissions in the electric sector, and she continues to press Congress to enact a strong CES as a central part of our national strategy to fight climate change. President Biden has made a CES a central piece of his American Jobs Plan proposal and it would put us on a path to achieving our Paris Climate goals. The summary released today highlights the advantages of incorporating a CES into law as part of an infrastructure and jobs package.

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