Clean Energy Victory Bonds
Many Americans are looking for a way to invest that helps our country address the defining issue of our time – the urgent need for a clean energy economy as the climate crisis intensifies.
During the First and Second World Wars, the US government sold Victory Bonds in order to finance the costs of war. In the spirit of patriotism and national sacrifice, Victory Bonds generated $185 billion during World War II (over $2 trillion in today’s dollars). They gave ordinary Americans ownership in the efforts of their military overseas and afforded individual and institutional investors access to a low risk/secure asset.
In that same spirit of national commitment, many Americans are looking for a way to invest that helps our country address the defining issue of our time – the urgent need for a clean energy economy as the climate crisis intensifies. Now, legislation in Congress (H.R. 4162), re-introduced by Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Doris Matsui, would authorize the government to issue $50 billion in Clean Energy Victory Bonds (CEVBS).
For as little as $25, all Americans could purchase these Treasury bonds that support solar, wind, geothermal, second generation biofuels (switch grass and agricultural waste), electric vehicles, energy efficiency.
Top 10 Benefits of Clean Energy Victory Bonds
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Over 1 Million New Jobs: The $50 billion raised by CEVBs can be leveraged to provide a full $150 billion in investment in clean energy technology. Research shows that total investments of $150 billion in clean energy can create at least 1 million competitively-paying jobs, significantly reducing the unemployment rate.
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Not a Tax: CEVBs would not require any new taxes on individuals or corporations. Instead, CEVBs represent an investment opportunity that individuals and institutions will choose to support.
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Energy Security: Reduce U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy, enhancing national security.
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Consumer Savings: Clean energy solutions will lower utility bills since clean energy sources are free of the volatility and price increases of fossil fuels. When clean energy solutions are paired with energy efficiency, consumers will see a decrease in energy costs.
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A Safe Investment: Investors will be purchasing US Treasury Bonds. Backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government, investors will earn back their full investment plus interest.
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Grow US Businesses: Support the growth of American businesses in the clean energy sector, and help them become more competitive globally.
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Health Benefits: Protect the health and safety of Americans by reducing local air and water pollution throughout the country. Clean energy will significantly reduce deaths from heart attacks, lung diseases and asthma, and reduce birth defects from mercury poisoning.
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Grow the US Economy: Will bring money into the American economy through foreign exports as demand for clean energy around the world increases.
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Clean Energy Protects the Economy: Clean energy relies on limitless sources like sun, wind and geothermal, which in turn will limit jolts to the US economy from energy price increases. Currently, the economy is at the mercy of price increases for fossil fuel resources (especially oil), and the price of oil will only go up as we deplete reserves.
- Competitive Advantage: Clean energy technologies will be the growth sector for the next century. The U.S. can become the leading producer and exporter of advanced energy technologies and ensure our economic competitiveness for generations.
The Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act Going Forward
It will be difficult to move CEVBs forward under the Trump administration and current Congress. We continue to build support for this bill among voters and members of Congress so that it can be reintroduced when the time is right.
We are also working with advocates in states that are interested in creating state-wide CEVBs.
Clean Energy Victory Bonds legislation was introduced by Representatives Lofgren and Matsui on December 2, 2015.
*Thanks to all the organizations that are supporting this bill: 350.org, American Sustainable Business Council, Center for American Progress, ConservAmerica, Ceres, Calvert Investments, The Change, Clean Edge, Clean Yield, Cleantech Institute, Climate Bonds Initiative, Ethical Markets, LLC, Franciscan Action Network, Green Choice Bank, Green for All, GreenandProfitable.com, Kansas Energy Information Network, Kenergy Solar, EcoOptions, Ltd, Lazarus Financial Planning, Natural Investments, New Resource Bank, New Voice of Business, Pax World Funds, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, and Self Help.
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