US Senate Finally Passes Its Massive Climate Bill

Slashdot reader Charlotte Web writes: At 3:02 p.m. EST, vice president Kamala Harris began presiding over the U.S. Senate.
After a vote on the very last proposed amendment, the Senate heard these final remarks from Democrat Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer on what he called 'the boldest climate package in US history.'

'It's been a long, tough, and winding road. But at last — at last — we have arrived. I know it's been a long day and long night, but we've gotten it done....'

'It's a game changer. It's a turning point. And it's been a long time coming.

'To Americans who have lost faith that Congress can do big things, this bill is for you...
And to the tens of millions of young Americans who spent years marching, rallying, demanding that Congress act on climate change, this bill is for you. The time has come to pass this historic bill.'

One by one, Senators delivered their votes for the official tally, and at 3:18 PST Harris announced that 'On this vote, the yeas are 50, the nays are 50.' And with the vice president casting deciding votes in an equally-divided Senate, 'the bill as amended is passed.'

And the Senate broke into spontaneous applause.

The bill now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives, which is expected to vote on it Friday.

As Slashdot reported last week:

The bill helps U.S consumers buy electric vehicle chargers, rooftop solar panels, and fuel-efficient heat pumps. It extends energy-industry tax credits for wind, solar and other renewable energy sources -- and for carbon capture technology. In fact, most of its impact is accomplished through tax credits, reports the New York Times, 'viewed as one of the least expensive ways to reduce carbon emissions.

'The benefits are worth four times their cost, according to calculations by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago.' One example is ending an eligibility cap on the $7,500 tax credit for consumers buying electric vehicles.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.