How Low-Income Consumers Fare In The Senate Climate-Change Bill

Publication Date: June 2008

Publisher: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Robert Greenstein; Chad Stone; Martha Coven; Matt Fiedler

Research Area: Environment

Keywords: Income diversity; Household income; Utilities costs

Type: Report

Abstract:

On June 2, the Senate began consideration of S. 3036, the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008. This is landmark legislation that would establish a cap on U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions — a critical step forward in the fight against global warming. It would do so without endangering future economic growth and prosperity. It is important, however, that lawmakers continue to work to improve the way that climate-change legislation protects low-income consumers, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of higher energy prices.