Us Congress House Bill HB1135

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/25
• Refer: 2/7/25

Caption

Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2025

Impact

If enacted, this bill would introduce a structured tax regime under the Internal Revenue Code, specifically targeting entities deemed as ‘assessable persons’ due to their significant carbon emissions. The funds raised—up to $100 billion annually—would be allocated toward various initiatives that enhance climate resilience, support disaster recovery, and promote environmental justice. This could involve the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure and implementation of programs intended to mitigate environmental impacts. The tax is designed to be proportionate to each entity's contribution to total greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting a principle of accountability and equity among major polluters.

Summary

House Bill 1135, titled the ‘Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2025,’ proposes a tax assessment on fossil fuel emissions to establish a dedicated fund aimed at climate change mitigation and resilience. The legislation is presented as a response to the urgent threat posed by climate change, which is recognized as causing detrimental effects such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity. The bill emphasizes the need for protective measures for vulnerable communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by pollution, including low-income and Indigenous populations.

Contention

Critics of HB 1135 may foresee potential challenges regarding the financial burden imposed on the fossil fuel industry, which could lead to increased costs for consumers. Furthermore, there is concern that while the bill claims to bolster local jurisdictions through additional funding, it also retains provisions that ensure existing state laws and regulations concerning greenhouse gas emissions are not preempted. This could lead to a complex interplay between federal and state regulations, particularly as local governments may wish to enforce stricter measures. The balance between enabling federal action on climate change while respecting state autonomy could be a focal point of debate in legislative discussions surrounding this bill.

Congress_id

119-HR-1135

Introduced_date

2025-02-07