EAST HARTFORD >> U.S. Rep. John B. Larson has a big idea about how to solve the nation’s crumbling infrastructure and he wants to create a carbon tax to pay for it.

Standing Tuesday on the banks of the Connecticut River, Larson announced the “America Wins Act,” which he plans to introduce when Congress reconvenes in September.

The legislation, which is still being drafted, would tax greenhouse gas emissions from coal, oil, and natural gas. The tax on the fossil fuel producers is expected to raise $1.8 trillion over 10 years, which he says should be enough to invest in America’s infrastructure. Since that tax would get passed along to consumers, there would also be a carbon tax rebate of about $800 billion.

There would also be $50 billion over 10 years dedicated toward funding coal miner pensions and assisting coal miners with transitioning out of the industry.

Larson’s proposal is not the only infrastructure plan up for debate in Congress. However, he says none of the other proposals “are as bold” or raise as much money as the one he is proposing.

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