NCLC nat'l consumer law ctr
look legit<div>
</div><div>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FEBRUARY 14, 2013
Contacts:
Olivia Wein (owein@nclc.org) or Jan Kruse (jkruse@nclc.org),
617-542-8010
Statement Regarding the Sanders/Boxer Climate Bill
(WASHINGTON, DC) “We applaud the Sanders/Boxer climate bill for addressing climate change head-on,”
said National Consumer Law Center Attorney Olivia Wein. “It helps households with the least money to reduce
their energy bills by providing funding to weatherize millions of low-income homes and it helps all families by
returning 60% of the revenue directly to them.”
The Climate Protection Act of 2013 and companion Sustainable Energy Act will reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by placing a price on carbon and methane pollution while also mitigating the price increases. The bill
will also protect consumers by using the revenues generated by placing a price on emissions to invest in energy
efficiency and sustainable energy. And 60%of that revenue will go directly to U.S. households. “In particular,
we are pleased to see the investment in long-term weatherization of housing for low-income families,” said
Wein.
The Climate Protection Act of 2013 will direct $50 billion in revenues toward weatherization over ten years,
which will help millions of struggling families better afford their energy bills and live in healthier homes. Other
benefits of the bill include:
Fostering green jobs and a green economy─for example, the manufacture of high quality weatherization
materials and equipment─which will help local communities throughout the United States share in the
investment opportunities.
Providing worker training to prepare and transition workers for jobs in the clean energy economy.
Returning 60% of the emission revenues directly to all families as a rebate to mitigate the harm from
rising prices. Without these consumer protection measures, pricing carbon will disproportionately harm
households with limited means.
“This legislation is important because it protects all consumers when presenting solutions to tackle climate
change,” said Wein.
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Since 1969, the nonprofit National Consumer Law Center® (NCLC®) has used its expertise in consumer law and energy
policy to work for consumer justice and economic security for low-income and other disadvantaged people, including
older adults, in the United States. NCLC’s expertise includes policy analysis and advocacy; consumer law and energy
publications; litigation; expert witness services, and training and advice for advocates. NCLC works with nonprofit and
legal services organizations, private attorneys, policymakers, and federal and state government and courts across the
nation to stop exploitive practices, help financially stressed families build and retain wealth, and advance economic
fairness. </div>