# Climate Solutions Act of 2021: What It Actually Does

This bill sets up a comprehensive plan to fight climate change by requiring the United States to shift to clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions dramatically over the next few decades. Think of it as the government saying "we need to get serious about climate change" and then laying out specific targets and deadlines to make it happen.

The bill has three main parts working together. First, it requires that by 2035, all electricity sold in the country must come from renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. This is a big shift—currently, renewables make up only about 20% of U.S. electricity. Second, the bill sets energy efficiency standards that require electric and natural gas companies to gradually reduce the amount of energy their customers use. For example, by 2030, electricity suppliers need to achieve an 11.25% reduction in customer energy use compared to today. Third, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to set specific targets to cut overall U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2035 (compared to 2005 levels) and reach zero emissions by 2050.

Who does this affect? Essentially everyone. Electricity companies will need to invest heavily in renewable energy sources and help customers use less energy through efficiency upgrades. This could mean lower energy bills for some people through better insulation, efficient appliances, and smart technology, though the upfront costs of transitioning the energy system will likely be passed along to consumers initially. Fossil fuel companies and coal-dependent regions will face significant challenges as coal power plants become obsolete. Workers in those industries may need retraining for new jobs in renewable energy. The bill also allows states to do even more aggressive climate action if they want, so some states might move faster than the federal requirements.

The bill includes flexibility through market-based trading systems, meaning companies can buy and sell energy efficiency credits if some do better than required while others fall short. It also requires the National Academies of Sciences to review progress every five years and recommend adjustments if needed, ensuring the targets stay realistic based on what science tells us about climate change.

Climate Solutions Act of 2021

Lieu, Ted

Climate Solutions Act of 2021 This bill establishes renewable energy standards, energy saving targets, and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Specifically, the Department of Energy (DOE) must promulgate regulations to increase the percentage of electricity sold in the United States that is generated from renewable sources. By 2035, 100% of electricity must be generated from renewable sources. DOE must also promulgate regulations that set end-user electricity savings targets for retail electric energy suppliers and natural gas saving targets for retail natural gas suppliers through 2030 as specified by the bill. Each year's savings must be in addition to the previous years' savings. DOE must allow suppliers to achieve the targets through a market-based trading system. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must promulgate annual net emission reduction targets from 2030 through 2050 to ensure that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (1) in 2035 are at least 52% below those in 2005, and (2) in 2050 are zero. The EPA must promulgate final regulations to implement those targets within seven years and review them at least every five years thereafter.