Congress should end tax credits for fossil fuel production and provide them instead for ‘clean energy,’ Lt. Gov. and Democratic candidate for Congress Molly Gray said at a press conference in Montpelier.
Gray said Congress should:
- End fossil fuel subsidies. Revamp sections of the tax code that incentivize fossil fuel production. Instead, make tax incentives emissions-based, steering the industry towards clean electricity, clean transportation, and energy efficiency by passing the Clean Energy for America Act.
- Redouble investment in weatherization and clean heat. The Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program works to improve the energy efficiency of the homes of low-income families. At current funding levels, only about 2% of the 38.6 million eligible low-income homes across the country are weatherized each year. Congress should raise spending by an additional $3.5 billion over 10 years in the program
- Fully decarbonize the American electric grid. Implement a system of incentives and fines to steer electricity producers towards zero-carbon technologies; fulfill President Biden’s goal to have the grid be 100% clean by 2035.
- Hold our elected officials accountable. Implement Congressional ethics rules to prevent Members of Congress from voting on legislation related to the energy sector if their earnings from fossil fuels exceed their congressional salary.
Gray announced her run for the U.S. House of Representatives on December 6, 2021.