The Independent View: 100 by '50 Act Renewable Energy Through Carbon Tax

The 100 by '50 ACT (S.987), Sponsored by Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], is a Congressional Plan to Transition away from Fossil Fuels to 100% Clean and Renewable Energy is based on a Carbon Tax. Supporters argue the Plan is necessary for a Clean Environment. Critics say such a Tax is Counterproductive.

Devastating Hurricanes, Wildfires, and Heat Waves are evidence of a very real Threat Climate Change poses. Yet Washington refuses to take action, and Trump Advisers like former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt have rolled back Environmental and Public Health Protections tp Profit the Fossil-Fuel Industry.

Despite these setbacks, Americans from all walks of life, including Veterans and Servicemembers, remain dedicated to holding Polluters responsible for their Actions, Protecting the Environment for Future Generations, and Revitalizing our Economy with Green Jobs. The Pentagon says Climate Change Aggravates poverty, social tensions, environmental degradation, ineffectual leadership, and weak political institutions that threaten stability in a number of countries.

Congress has a realistic Plan to Transition the U.S. to 100% Renewable Energy by 2050 and provide Millions of Green Energy Jobs. The 100 by'50 Act ends Taxpayers Handouts to Oil and Gas Companies, and Phases Out the use of Dirty Fossil Fuels, partly through a Carbon Fee and Transparent Emissions Trading program. But this Plan is Not a One-Size-Fits-All approach. To truly address the complex Problems of Climate Change, numerous Actions need to be taken in Tandem.

Under the Bill, Veterans arriving from Combat Zones could be Trained for High-Paying Green Jobs, and Veteran-Owned Business are Eligible for Grants to Implement the Transition to Renewable Energy. Those putting their Lives on the line for our Country should have the Guarantee of a Civilian Job when they return, and the 100 by'50 Act will help us fulfill this promise. It's time for Congress to Revolutionize our Energy, and Prioritize the Health and well being of our Communities and our Planet.