Three Kildee Bills Included in New Committee Report on Climate Change

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for releasing its first-ever report on how to address climate change.

The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis today released a new report, The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient and Just America, which recommends a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to build a clean energy economy and solve the climate crisis. Included in the plan are three Kildee-introduced bills to extend the electric vehicle tax credit, expand the use of land banks and invest in our nation's infrastructure by replacing lead pipes.

"We must combat climate change to protect Michigan's economy, our Great Lakes and our future. The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis has presented a roadmap to address climate change that we must act on," Congressman Kildee said. "When it comes to climate change, doing nothing is not an option. Congress has the responsibility to make sure that our environment is protected for future generations."

The new Select Committee report pushes for the expansion of clean energy incentives, tightening climate regulations for federal agencies and adding more emphasis on next-generation energy technologies. More information on the legislation championed by Congressman Kildee included in the Select Committee report are below:

• To modernize our energy infrastructure for a clean energy future, The Driving America Forward Act would expand the electric vehicle and hydrogen fuel cell tax credits. Under current law, consumers may receive a tax credit of up to $7,500 if they purchase an eligible electric vehicle. However, the tax credits begin to phase out permanently once automakers sell over 200,000 units. The Driving America Forward Act raises the cap and allows purchasers of an additional 400,000 vehicles per manufacturer to be eligible for the tax credit. Putting more electric vehicles on the road will reduce carbon emissions and support investment in American-made manufacturing.
• To support our neighborhoods by revitalizing vacant properties, The National Land Bank Network Act, would set up—through a national non-profit organization—a network to provide resources, technical assistance and grants for land banks to implement best practices, as well as help communities that are considering creating their own land banks to address blight and vacant properties. Expanding land banks will help to better use our built environment and create more sustainable neighborhoods.
• To ensure our nation's water supply is safe, affordable and sustainable, The Water Justice Act would invest in communities and schools to test for and remove contaminants in water, including replacing toxic lead service lines. Further, the bill would provide families struggling with the cost of rising water bills with assistance and support a broad range of sustainable water infrastructure projects.

More information about the climate change report can be found here.