Hawaii Senate Bill SCR200

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Urging The United States Congress To Adopt National Carbon Fee And Dividend Legislation.

Impact

If adopted, the national carbon fee and dividend program proposed in SCR200 would implement a tax on the burning of fossil fuels. The revenue generated from this tax would be returned to households in the form of dividends, which is viewed as a fair and equitable method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting families economically. This approach aligns with the goals set forth by the Paris Climate Agreement, underscoring the necessity for immediate and substantial reduction in emissions across various sectors.

Summary

SCR200 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the United States Congress to adopt national carbon fee and dividend legislation. This bill highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and the increasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions, specifically carbon dioxide, which has risen dramatically over the last sixty years. The resolution echoes concerns voiced by global leaders about the implications of continued environmental negligence and advocates for a structured approach to mitigate these effects through effective federal policy.

Contention

The bill's advocates emphasize that it has garnered support from a significant number of economists, indicating a strong consensus on the efficacy of such policy measures. However, the resolution may face contention in Congress, primarily regarding the logistics and economic implications of implementing a carbon tax. Critics may argue about the potential economic burden it could place on certain sectors and the management of the revenue returned to citizens, raising questions about the feasibility and fairness of such a system in practice.