What would the plan do?
Democratic presidential candidate John Hickenlooper‘s plan calls for the U.S. to rejoin the Paris climate agreement, implement a carbon tax and work with the private sector to invest in green infrastructure programs.
How would it work?
His administration would engage with foreign countries to raise $100 billion a year in climate financing to help developing countries. It would also require greenhouse gas emission targets to be included in any new trade agreement and certain foreign aid and military assistance programs. Hickenlooper also proposes a “carbon border adjustment system,“ essentially pricing a company’s energy efficiency into the goods traded between countries.
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The climate fight at home
Domestically, Hickenlooper‘s administration would establish a carbon tax, with the proceeds returned to the taxpayers to offset increases in energy costs. He would invest $200 billion in the U.S. transportation system and renewable energy sources, plus another $150 billion to upgrade the electric grid system. It would crack down on methane emissions and invest in improving energy efficiency in buildings, including requiring electric vehicle charging stations in new buildings. It would also focus on “creating millions of green jobs.“
Hickenlooper would also create a Climate Corps Program that would create scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for students pursuing careers in nuclear engineering, carbon capture, renewable energy or energy storage.
Hickenlooper pledged to begin “large-scale investment” in climate technology research and development, though his campaign did not offer a dollar figure.
What are the weaknesses in the proposal?
No carbon sunset
Hickenlooper's plan does not set a target on reducing greenhouse gases as several other candidates have done. Climate scientists — and environmental activists — have said the planet will need to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 if countries hope to limit the effects of climate change.
Green New Deal MIA
Hickenlooper says he does not support the Green New Deal, the plan introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) that has become a litmus test for progressives. Hickenlooper‘s plan says he’s withholding his support for the plan because its sheer size makes it “difficult to pass in Congress, slowing the urgent pace we need to tackle climate change.”
Industry ties may bind
Hickenlooper references his history of working with the oil and gas industry during his time as Colorado governor, saying that experience will help his plan gain acceptance in the business sector. But his plan‘s self-described “particular reliance on market-based and inclusive job-creation initiatives” may not generate enthusiasm among party activists who don’t trust Exxon Mobil and other companies to lead on the issue.
How much would it cost?
Hickenlooper didn’t offer an overall price tag on his plan.
How would he pay for it?
Hickenlooper would implement a carbon tax, though he does not specify how much it would be. His administration would also immediately reinstate the social cost of carbon price tag on emissions that the Obama administration developed and the Trump administration discarded.
What have other Democrats proposed?
Hickenlooper’s plan is reatively small-ball when compared to those offered by other Democrat candidates.