American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 would stem the tide of climate change (the effects of which hit low-income populations the hardest),[1] protect low-income consumers, and ensure low-income individuals participate in the green economy by:

• Establishing a cap and trade system in an effort to lower carbon emissions. The government would set a cap on annual emissions and companies would have to turn in an allowance for every ton of carbon emitted.[2]
• Using proceeds from the sale of allowances to protect low- and middle-income consumers from the increased costs associated with limiting emissions through cap-and-trade.[3]
• Ensuring the fair inclusion of low-income individuals in the green economy by providing $1 billion in funding for energy-related jobs and job training for low-income individuals.[4]

For more information

» Visit govtrack.us
Detailed information about the bill, including full text, floor speeches, sponsors and more

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Legend

= vote to fight poverty = vote against fighting poverty = no vote