Underwood Joins Effort to Reach 100 Percent Clean Economy by 2050

WASHINGTON— Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced support for the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 (H.R. 5221), legislation setting a nationwide goal of achieving a 100 percent clean energy economy by 2050, defined as net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of America's economy. The legislation directs federal agencies to put the United States on a path toward meeting the achievable 100 percent clean energy economy goal. Additionally, it directs the EPA to evaluate agency plans, make recommendations to strengthen them as needed, and report each year on progress toward a 100 percent clean energy economy.

"Saving our planet from the threat of climate change is a public health and economic imperative," said Rep. Underwood. "Committing the United States to a 100 percent clean energy economy by 2050 is a bold solution that will protect public health and help create high-quality green jobs in northern Illinois and across the country."

Congresswoman Underwood is an original cosponsor of the bill, which is led by Representatives Donald McEachin (VA-04), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Deb Haaland (NM-01), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and is supported by over 150 members of Congress.

The 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 lays out principles for federal agency action, including, but not limited to:

• improving public health, especially rural communities, and vulnerable populations;
• driving quality job creation and ensuring an equitable transition for workers in industries and communities affected by changes in the economy;
• prioritizing consumers, small businesses, and farmers; and
• preparing communities for the impacts and risks of climate change.

Underwood has worked to address the public health impacts of climate change and increase access to climate change data. This month, Underwood testified before the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis to advocate for Congressional action to address climate change. In May, Underwood supported the Climate Action Now Act (H.R. 9), which was the first major climate legislation passed by the House in nearly a decade. In June, Underwood introduced an amendment that was included in the Fiscal Year 2020 House appropriations package that would prevent federal agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture from using federal resources to censor existing public information on climate change. Additionally, Underwood introduced the Climate and Health Protection Act (H.R. 3819) to reinstate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Climate and Health Program, which helps local communities address and mitigate the harmful public health effects of climate change.

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