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CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES BOLD ACTION TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CRISIS AND ACHIEVE CLEAN, SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

November 21, 2019

Announces introduction of 100% Clean Economy Act laying out steps to achieve a national clean energy economy by 2050. Legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Morelle seeks to replace carbon-polluting energy with renewable, clean energy sources across all sectors of the economy

(Washington, DC) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced the introduction of legislation to address the climate crisis and achieve a clean, sustainable economy. The 100% Clean Economy Act, which Rep. Morelle co-sponsors, sets a national goal of achieving a 100% clean economy by 2050 and encourages the growth of innovative, sustainable technologies.

"The effects of climate change pose an existential threat to our environment as we know it – we need bold, unprecedented action to combat this crisis and protect our planet for future generations," said Rep. Morelle. "This legislation will not only help save our environment, it will transform our economy and put us on a path to a successful and, most importantly, sustainable future. I'm proud to co-sponsor this critical bill and help our nation become a global leader in the effort to mitigate the impacts of climate change."

"As constituents of Congressman Morelle and as members of an active environmental group within his district working to build political will for a livable world, we are very encouraged to see him prioritizing climate action in Congress," said Allen Hibner, Volunteer with the Rochester, NY chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby. "Climate change is already affecting our district and its vulnerable communities along our Lake Ontario shoreline in the form of increasing flood waters and the devastation they can cause. We look forward to continuing our work with Congressman Morelle to achieve our shared goal of a 100% clean energy economy by 2050."

The 100% Clean Economy Act directs federal agencies to use existing authorities to cut carbon pollution and achieve the national long-term goal of a wholly clean energy economy by 2050 while remaining technology-neutral. It would also set new, environmentally-friendly standards including:

  • Requiring net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide;
  • Replacing fossil fuels with wind, solar and other clean sources of energy across all sectors of our economy, including transportation, power and manufacturing;
  • Making no more climate pollution than we remove from the atmosphere;

The legislation directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate agency plans and report each year on the progress towards achieving a 100% clean economy.

More information on the legislation can be found here.

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