Statement: Clean Energy for America Act advances in the Senate

Media Contacts
Josh Chetwynd

Lisa Frank

Executive Director, Washington Legislative Office, Environment America; Vice President and D.C. Director, The Public Interest Network

Bill would align tax incentives with clean energy goals

Environment America

WASHINGTON — The Senate Finance Committee advanced the Clean Energy for America Act Wednesday. The bill introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon and more than 20 colleagues would replace a patchwork of more than 40 energy tax policies with three categories of tax incentives for clean electricity, clean transportation and energy efficiency. The bill also eliminates subsidies for fossil fuels and nuclear generation. 

Solar power has grown 52 percent annually since the Investment Tax Credit for solar was enacted, and wind energy has tripled since a large investment was made in the Production Tax Credit in 2009. A recent study from the Union of Concerned Scientists found that The Clean Energy for America Act would more than double renewable energy generation in the United States, while reducing carbon emissions. 

Lisa Frank, Environment America’s Washington Legislative Office executive director released the following statement:

“Tapping energy from the sun and wind has never been easier. If we can harness more renewable power, we’ll have cleaner air and less climate-warming pollution. To meet the goal of achieving a carbon-free power sector by 2035 set by the Biden administration, we’ll need an incentive structure that reflects that goal. The Clean Energy for America Act would help us do just that by providing tax incentives for clean energy. 

“We applaud Sens. Stabenow, Cantwell, Menendez, Carper, Cardin, Brown, Bennet, Casey, Warner, Whitehouse, Hassan, Cortez-Masto and Warren — and especially Chairman Wyden — for voting in favor of the Clean Energy for America Act. We urge the Senate to pass clean energy tax incentives this year.”

Matt Casale, U.S. PIRG environment campaigns director issued the following statement:

“We have to stop subsidizing climate change and instead incentivize the technologies, like wind and solar energy, that are going to help us preserve a safe and healthy future for our children and grandchildren. By doing away with many of the incentives and tax breaks that benefit our most polluting industries, the Clean Energy for America Act takes us one big step closer to a fossil fuel-free future. A 2017 study found that, depending on the region, 40 to 60 percent of oil resources are subsidy-dependent. Removing these subsidies will allow renewable sources of energy to become even more competitive and would stop our tax dollars from being wasted on energy that pollutes our air, and threatens our future.” 

Johanna Neumann, Environment America’s 100% Renewable campaign director issued the following statement:

“Clean energy is growing in America and the sooner we tap abundant renewable energy sources to power our lives, the sooner we’ll have less air pollution, healthier kids and a more stable climate. Federal clean energy incentives have spurred clean energy growth in America. The Clean Energy for America Act will help make sure that wind and solar, clean transportation and energy efficiency flourish nationwide.”

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