Van Hollen Introduces the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2015

Press Release

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen introduced the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2015. This legislation is a simple, fair, and effective way to combat climate change while supporting economic growth and a thriving middle class.

The bill caps carbon pollution and reduces CO2 emissions gradually but steadily, auctions carbon pollution permits to the first sellers of oil, coal, and natural gas into the U.S. market, and returns 100 percent of the auction proceeds electronically each quarter to every American with a valid Social Security number in the form of a Healthy Climate Dividend. The "cap and dividend" approach taken by this legislation will enable the United States to achieve scientifically driven reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while supporting vibrant economic growth and actually increasing incomes for an estimated 80 percent of American households.

"Two of the most pressing challenges we face as a country are the economic and health risks of climate change and the middle class squeeze, and this bill offers a way to address both," said Congressman Van Hollen. "This approach achieves necessary greenhouse gas reductions while boosting the purchasing power of families across the country. This bill is good for the climate, good for families, and good for the economy."

"Sierra Club supports the Van Hollen bill because it puts a declining cap and a price on all US carbon pollution; two things that are essential to truly addressing climate change in the long-term. We see this as complementary to the near-term actions in the President's Climate Action Plan which we also strongly support," said Sierra Club Federal Campaign Director Debbie Sease.

"The Van Hollen Healthy Climate and Family Security Act is the gold standard when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. It's the only way to assure we meet science-based emission reduction goals in a timely manner," said entrepreneur and author Peter Barnes.

"The basic idea that we own the sky, not Exxon, is a key part of the endgame in the climate debate. I'm glad it's getting a Congressional hearing," said 350.org Founder Bill McKibben.

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