The following 2019 Ceres BICEP Policy Outlook offers a glimpse into the political landscape and the types of policy measures we will address in the coming year.
The 2018 midterm elections have reshaped the dialogue in Congress around climate and clean energy policy, and the 116th Congress is off to an ambitious start on climate oversight and legislation. While not yet fully defined, the Green New Deal is shaping up to be a comprehensive plan to make investments in clean energy jobs and infrastructure, with a goal of transforming the entire economy. The plan’s leaders have stated that they are just beginning to formulate policy details, but talk of the plan has already elevated climate action as a top priority for both the newly constituted House of Representatives and among some members of the Senate. Our team will keep the BICEP Network updated with opportunities to engage on shaping and supporting positive steps associated with this movement.
This changing landscape will undoubtedly affect our work in many ways, and Ceres remains committed to sparking bipartisan action on climate. We maintain this position because we believe that durable, comprehensive climate policies in the U.S. are only achievable with support from both political parties. We will continue to work closely with climate champions on both sides of the aisle, both in and out of the House Climate Solutions Caucus.
Our main priorities for the coming year:
CARBON PRICING: We will continue to make the business case for a price on carbon in the year ahead. In 2018, we saw a carbon pricing bill introduced by a bipartisan group of House lawmakers, and another introduced by House Republicans—the first Republican carbon pricing legislation since 2010. We will work to advance the conversation with lawmakers in both parties and in both chambers, providing business support for meaningful progress.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: In addition to our work defending important regulations on transportation emissions, we expect to see a vigorous effort to extend and expand the federal tax credit for electric vehicles as more automakers reach manufacturer caps. The federal tax credit, which helps defray the cost of an electric vehicle by up to $7,500 for a consumer, remains critical to growing the burgeoning electric vehicle market. In addition, we will explore opportunities to bring back incentives for electric vehicle infrastructure.
THE APPROPRIATIONS PROCESS: The appropriations process is a priority for our policy work every year. Because the federal government is a significant source of funding for climate and clean energy research, among other important programs, we will again submit requests on behalf of the BICEP Network to relevant appropriations subcommittees in both the House and Senate. The fiscal year 2020 process will begin with the President’s Budget Proposal, which is tentatively scheduled for release in mid-March.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Should Congress take a serious look at infrastructure legislation this year, we will work with lawmakers to support the inclusion of meaningful sustainability measures. This could include infrastructure related to roads and bridges, public transportation, and the electric grid, among other areas. By publishing a white paper on the potential for integrating climate change mitigation into new and existing infrastructure policy, we will be able to offer a menu of options for lawmakers to support while also exhibiting thought leadership on this important topic.
HOUSE BIPARTISAN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS CAUCUS: We will continue our work to support the House Climate Solutions Caucus. Before the midterm elections, the Caucus had 90 members, but has since lost 20 Republicans through a combination of failed reelection bids and retirements. As the Caucus rebuilds, we will track the process closely in order to identify opportunities for BICEP members to weigh in on membership criteria, build relationships with Caucus members, and support meaningful climate and clean energy legislation that emerges from the group.