Green Energy Investment Act

Sheldon Whitehouse

Preamble

Climate change affects the economy and way of life concerning people. The economy depends on the health of the environment. Carbon pollution must be reduced to protect the oceans, coasts, and the people and economies that rely on them. Legislation needs to be introduced to drastically drive down the harmful emissions causing climate change and putting the global economy at risk. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works to protect human health and environmental health. It ensures Americans have clean air, land, and water. It consists of federal laws protecting human health and the environment that are enforced fairly and effectively. The Green Energy Investment Act will provide grant money to the EPA to distribute to research organizations looking to develop new wind and solar technologies. Wind and solar energy provide air-quality, public health, and greenhouse gas emission benefits as they reduce the reliance on combustion-based electricity generation.

Section 1: Defining Terms

Emission: production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation

Combustion: process of burning something, such as fossil fuels

Greenhouse gas: absorbs and emits radiant energy causing the greenhouse effect

Section 2: Purpose

The Green Energy Investment Act will provide $1 billion in grant money to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to distribute to research organizations around the nation looking to develop new wind and solar energy technologies. Wind energy technology is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. It is a renewable energy source that lessens the harmful effects of pollution on the environment more so than many other energy sources. It does not release emissions that can pollute air or water. Wind energy can also reduce the amount of electricity generation from fossil fuels, which results in lower total air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions. Solar energy technology converts sunlight into electrical energy. Installing solar panels helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the collective dependance on fossil fuel. When fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity, they emit harmful gases that are the primary cause of air pollution and global climate change. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, such as solar power, can reduce harm to human and environmental health.

Section 3: Funding

In order to obtain the money for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), taxes should be raised on big businesses. A more reliable tax system should be created to ensure that large corporations are not avoiding necessary taxes. Raising these taxes would result in additional revenue to pay for public programs and services, such as the EPA. Raising corporate taxes by a modest amount will not undermine the economic recovery and using those revenues to finance necessary investments will help make the economy stronger.

Section 4: Enactment Date

The Green Energy Investment Act will take effect on January 1, 2022.