Rep. Casten Re-Introduces Bill to Cut Climate Pollution from Electric, Industrial Sectors

Today Representative Sean Casten (D-IL) re-introduced the Tradable Performance Standard Act, a bill that will significantly cut carbon pollution in the electric and industrial sectors.

This bill sets a carbon intensity standard that power generators and industrial facilities need to either meet themselves or meet by paying another facility to further decrease its own emissions. The legislation is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from those sectors by 60% from 2019 levels by 2030 and 100% by 2040.

“Curbing climate pollution from the electric and industrial sectors is essential to tackling the climate crisis because these two sectors emit almost half of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Rep. Casten’s innovative proposal will not only cut climate pollution from these sectors, it will help spur investment in clean energy jobs and reduce harmful air pollution. Importantly, this bill should be complemented by strong legislation that ensures protections for communities of color and low-income communities, and curbs air and climate pollution in these and other major emitting sectors including transportation.

“We are encouraged by Rep. Casten’s continued commitment to advancing clean energy, and we hope this bill will embolden other Members of Congress to craft ambitious climate solutions that benefit our economy and our health.”

• Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund.