Should the United States achieve full renewable energy usage by the year 2050?
Bill Summary
This bill would introduce a plan for the United States to transition away from fossil fuel use and implement full utilization of clean and renewable energy sources by the year 2050. This plan outlines seven detailed programs of action that will help to achieve this goal: 1) greening the grid, 2) electrifying the energy economy, 3) clean and renewable energy for all, 4) just transition for workers, 5) ensuring American competitiveness, 6) mobilizing American resources, and 7) ending new fossil fuel investments. Sponsor: Rep. Jared Polis [D-CO-2]
View full bill text ➔
How do you feel?
One click sends your opinion
Oppose
Support
Opponents say
• Ezra Silk, Director of Strategy and Policy for The Climate Mobilization, argues, “The ‘100 by ‘50 Act’ demonstrates that climate movement leaders remain addicted to the tranquilizing drug of carbon gradualism…. [this] represents not only immoral climate policy, but failed movement strategy... We need a true WWII-scale mobilization bill that will restore a safe climate at emergency speed and provide real protection for the most vulnerable people and species in the world.”
• According to climate scientist and advocate James Hansen, “Can renewable energies provide all of society’s energy needs in the foreseeable future? It is conceivable in a few places, such as New Zealand and Norway. But suggesting that renewables will let us phase rapidly off fossil fuels in the United States, China, India, or the world as a whole is almost the equivalent of believing in the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy.”
• According to climate scientist and advocate James Hansen, “Can renewable energies provide all of society’s energy needs in the foreseeable future? It is conceivable in a few places, such as New Zealand and Norway. But suggesting that renewables will let us phase rapidly off fossil fuels in the United States, China, India, or the world as a whole is almost the equivalent of believing in the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy.”
Proponents say
• Rep. Jared Huffman [D-CA-2], a cosponsor of the bill, asserts, “America was the first nation to land on the moon because President John F. Kennedy announced an ambitious goal, and our nation made the commitment to see it through. It’s time for us to be that bold, and that serious, in our commitment to boosting clean energy innovation and tackling climate change. By laying out a clear roadmap to transition away from dirty fossil fuels, and by providing the resources and working together, we can protect our planet for generations to come and ensure all communities enjoy the benefit of this historic expansion of clean energy.”
• Senator Jeff Merkley [D-OR], who introduced a companion bill to this legislation in the Senate, notes, “We are in a race against time and must must transition our fossil fuel economy to clean and renewable energy now… we just need a roadmap and a shared national commitment to get us there. The “100 by ‘50 Act” is that roadmap. Starting at a local, grassroots level and working toward the bold and comprehensive national vision laid out in this legislation, now is the time to commit to 100% by 2050.”
• Senator Jeff Merkley [D-OR], who introduced a companion bill to this legislation in the Senate, notes, “We are in a race against time and must must transition our fossil fuel economy to clean and renewable energy now… we just need a roadmap and a shared national commitment to get us there. The “100 by ‘50 Act” is that roadmap. Starting at a local, grassroots level and working toward the bold and comprehensive national vision laid out in this legislation, now is the time to commit to 100% by 2050.”
- Polis, Grijalva, Huffman, Jayapal Introduce Nationwide Roadmap to Get U.S. to 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2050
- 100 by ‘50 Act: Transitioning America to 100% Clean, Renewable Energy for All By 2050
- House Dems Jump Aboard Call to Phase Out Fossil Power
- U.S. House Rolls Out 100% Renewable Energy Bill
- Democrats Are Preparing A Bill To Completely Wean The U.S. Off Fossil Fuels By 2050
- The “100 by ’50 Act” Cannot Become Our “North Star”
