WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legislation introduced today in the Senate offers a promising complement to a recent House proposal that would dramatically reduce climate-disrupting pollution before it is too late for people and wildlife alike. This is the first bipartisan proposal to price carbon emissions to be offered in the Senate in nearly a decade.

The National Wildlife Federation thanked U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) for introducing the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act to boost conversations about serious solutions to climate change ahead of the next session of Congress.

“Climate change is having real and dire impacts on communities across the nation. From unprecedented megafires in California to super-charged hurricanes in places like Florida, North Carolina and the Northern Mariana Islands, the signs are overwhelming that Congress needs to embrace bold and bipartisan solutions,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “A carbon fee is an economically-sound, market-based idea worthy of Congress’s bipartisan consideration and action — and we thank Senators Flake and Coons for introducing a bill to advance the conversation. We look forward to working with all Senators and Representatives in the next Congress on proactive conservation legislation to reduce carbon emissions going forward and spur economic revitalization.”

The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act’s is the latest significant bipartisan carbon-fee proposal this year. Congressmen Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), John Delaney (D-Md.), Francis Rooney (R-Fla.) and Charlie Crist (D-Fla.) introduced the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act in the House in November. Congressman Carlos Curbelo also introduced legislation earlier this year that proposed fees as an avenue to confront climate change.

Read National Wildlife Federation’s issue brief and principles for carbon pricing legislation.