Senate Passes Tax Cut Bill That Threatens Public Health and Clean Energy

Statement by Ken Kimmell, President, Union of Concerned Scientists

Published Dec 1, 2017

WASHINGTON (December 2, 2017)—The U.S. Senate has passed sweeping tax cut legislation that would threaten public health and jeopardize clean energy projects, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. 

Below is a statement by Ken Kimmell, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists. 

“The Senate passed a reckless tax cut bill that would threaten the health and clean energy future of millions of Americans. 

“The bill would cut taxes for the wealthy and profitable corporations at the expense of poor and middle-class families. Ringing in at a price of $1 trillion, the bill would increase the deficit and create more pressure to cut funding for critical scientific research, technological innovation and environmental protection—vital investments that keep Americans safe and the country prosperous.  

“The bill would threaten the climate by leaving billions of dollars of fossil fuel subsidies intact while changing the tax code in ways that would jeopardize the financing of numerous clean energy projects under construction and discourage future clean energy investments in wind and solar.  

“But this fight isn’t over yet. We will continue to work with our allies and engage our members and supporters to stop this irresponsible bill.”