The U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released comprehensive climate policy recommendations for Congress in a report titled Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient and Just America. Energy Innovation modeled a subset of the Select Committee’s recommendations using our Energy Policy Simulator, and found it will hit net zero carbon dioxide emissions before 2050 and slash net greenhouse gas emissions 88 percent from 2010 levels by 2050. This decarbonization pathway would generate significant benefits, avoiding 62,000 premature deaths annually from fine particulate matter pollution, while generating nearly $8 trillion in cumulative monetized health and climate benefits, both by 2050.

The following statement on the plan is attributable to EI CEO Hal Harvey, who testified before the Select Committee in April 2019.

“Careful science, and hard, cold facts make it clear: This is a bet-your-country moment for America. Much of this beautiful, prosperous, and bountiful country will become unrecognizable unless we act, promptly and seriously, to limit climate change. This challenge is central to anyone serious about defending America. And while it is a big job, done properly, low-carbon strategies will boost our economy, create great jobs, and deliver equity benefits to front-line communities.

The Congressional Action Plan on climate hits the mark. Our modelling, which is detailed and peer-reviewed, finds that a 90 percent reduction in CO₂ by 2035 from power plants is practical, would create more than 500,000 jobs, and would save consumers money on their electricity bill. Good jobs. At home. The Congressional Plan can make that happen.

The other sections—on building, transportation, agriculture, research and development, and beyond—are likewise thoughtful and feasible. Together they offer an opportunity to rebuild America’s economy, protect her air, land, and water, and supply the jobs we need. As a bonus, the plan will position our country to better compete with foreign nations.”