French Lawmakers to Vote on Controversial Climate Bill

PARIS - France’s centrist government has released a video ahead of Wednesday's vote on the so-called Climate and Resilience bill, with Ecological Transition Minister Barbara Pompili explaining how it will lead to cleaner air, more insulated buildings and a greener France overall.

Polls find many French citizens support the spirit of the massive legislation, which aims to meet the country's goal of cutting greenhouse gases by 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. A recent report by the EU's climate service found 2020 was Europe's hottest year on record, and the region was warming faster than the rest of the world. The French bill’s dozens of measures include limiting the most polluting vehicles in urban areas, slapping ecotaxes on truck transport, banning heated restaurant terraces and capping rent on insulated housing. The National Assembly is expected to pass the legislation before it heads to the Senate.