Congressional Democrats are introducing legislation that would essentially charge major fossil fuel companies for their ongoing exacerbation of the climate crisis.
By unveiling the “Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act” now — weeks before the elections and close to the end of the 118th Congress — sponsors hope they are getting a head start in building up support for a concept that could have traction next year, if Democrats sweep the White House and both chambers of congress.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who has been circulating versions of this policy proposal in the form of a discussion draft since 2021, told POLITICO’s E&E News on Thursday that he believes there are elements of his bill that could be incorporated into a new budget reconciliation package should Democrats capture that governing majority.
He and environmental advocates also agreed at a Thursday press conference that the issue could resonate with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president who has spoken on the campaign trail about holding corporate interests accountable for their actions — including Big Oil — as the former attorney general of California.
