Local climate advocates applaud Rep. Kai Kahele for supporting major climate bill

News Release from Citizens’ Climate Lobby, July 28, 2021

Members of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) Hawai’i are thrilled that Representative Kahele has recently signed on as a cosponsor of the Energy Innovation Act (H.R. 2307).

Representative Kahele joins 78 other House colleagues in supporting the bill.

The Energy Innovation Act is one of the most robust pieces of climate legislation on the table in Congress. It will put a price on carbon pollution and allocate that revenue to Americans as a monthly dividend or “carbon cash back” payment.

The bill is expected to drive down America’s carbon pollution by at least 30% in the first five years and put us on a path to net-zero by 2050. As it does so, it will also improve health and save lives by reducing the pollution that Americans breathe. It will boost the economy by spurring clean energy innovation and job growth.

“Rep. Kahele has taken a courageous step towards carbon pricing, one of the most impactful climate solutions available. I hope his neighbor in the House, Rep. Case, will join him,” said Zoe Whitney, a life-long constituent and local CCL chapter founder.

Hawai’i is ready to work towards a sustainable future and one that protects the most vulnerable in society. This has been demonstrated by the many community leaders and volunteers who have encouraged our members of Congress to support carbon pricing. CCL Hawai’i members met with Kahele’s office a few times and have organized many phone calls and constituent letters to the office about climate change and the need for solutions.

Since its introduction, the Energy Innovation Act has garnered supportive reactions from economic think tanks, advocacy groups, faith groups and citizens. Here are statements from the Environmental Defense Fund, World Resources Institute, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Alliance for Market Solutions and more.

In Hawaii, this legislation has been endorsed by local government and several prominent local organizations - Maui County, Faith Action for Community Equity, Akaku Maui Community Media, Big Island EV Association, Hawaii EV Association, Hawaii Off Grid Architecture & Engineering, Maui Vegan Life, Moku Loa Group Sierra Club, Pacific Planning Group, and United Nations Association Hawai`i Island Chapter.

“Here in Hawaii, we’re already feeling the impact of climate change. Heavy rain events, flooding, droughts, fires, coral bleaching and other signs have, unfortunately, become common,” said Ron Reilly, a leader of the CCL Hawaii. “We’re ready for Congress to work together and take meaningful climate action. Many mahalos to Rep. Kahele for responding to our concerns and supporting this ambitious carbon pricing bill.”

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Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a national nonprofit organization with local chapters across the country. The group has been the primary catalyst for the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. To learn more about our work, visit citizensclimatelobby.org.

CB: Rep. Kai Kahele co-sponsored carbon pricing legislation that could pay dividends