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Ask Your Senator about a Price on Carbon

We could have a price on carbon THIS FALL.

But we need your help.

We’ve been working for years for this moment in the U.S. Senate. Your Senators are, right now, deciding what to do about climate change. In a nutshell: they can go big or they can stay small. Email them to tell them to go big with a price on carbon. Then, give them a call as well.

What should I ask for when I email or call?

Blue and purple states:

Ask your Senators to put a price on carbon in this year’s budget reconciliation. They’ll know what you mean. (You can check out our FAQ for more details about this request.)

Red states:

Your Senators aren’t in the majority, but they can still influence the budget. Plenty of Republicans support putting a price on carbon because it boosts businesses while addressing climate change. Ask them to support a price on carbon this summer.

If you've already emailed and only want to call, visit: http://cclusa.org/senate-call/.

Once you’ve emailed and called, get others to act

You only need to write and call once yourself. But don’t go back to your regularly scheduled activities just yet. THIS IS OUR FIRST CHANCE FOR MEANINGFUL CLIMATE ACTION THAT CAN’T BE BLOCKED BY THE FILIBUSTER. Share this page with any climate-concerned friends, family and coworkers. Better yet, keep reminding them. They’ll want to take their shot to solve climate change, too.
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Frequently asked questions

Why is this moment so important?

Senate Democrats are signaling that they are focused on climate change right now. We want to reach them when we know they’ll be listening.

Why do we need a price on carbon?

An economy-wide price on carbon will reduce America’s carbon pollution really fast. We need to price carbon if we want to hit the Biden Administration’s goal of 50% emissions reductions in the next decade. It has to be part of any serious climate solutions. Find out more about why to put a price on carbon.

How many emails and calls make a difference?

It depends. In smaller states, as few as 300 people contacting each Senator over a few weeks can make a big difference. In big states, more are needed. The most important thing is that Senators across the country are hearing the same thing.

Do I really need to call AND email?

If you can, yes. Calls add extra attention because staffers notice when the phones are ringing. It might seem intimidating to call your Senator’s office. But, Senate staff are usually really nice and very professional. You’ll be on the line for just a short time. If you really can’t swing a phone call, you can just send an email.

I’ve already emailed, is there a way for me to only make a phone call?

To skip the email step and go straight to the calling tool, visit this page: http://cclusa.org/senate-call

What is budget reconciliation, anyway?

Budget reconciliation is a process where adjustments to spending and revenue can be made with 51 Senate votes instead of the full 60 votes. The rules of what can be included in a budget reconciliation are strict, and governed by a nonpartisan Senate parliamentarian.

What does a price on carbon have to do with budget reconciliation?

Senate Democrats have already indicated that they plan to address climate change in this year’s budget reconciliation. Because a price on carbon meets the strict requirements of a budget reconciliation, the Senate can and should include one.

Why do we need a Prefix to our name to email our Senator?

Members of Congress require a prefix for emails that are sent to their office. We acknowledge that the prefixes provided do not encompass all gender identities. Unfortunately it is Congress that sets these prefixes and so we are required to use the ones that are currently accepted by the majority of offices.