As the planet slowly emerges from the horrific effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries around the globe are realizing that we humans have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the course of history by moving to green energy as we rebuild the worldwide economy.
In the United States, climate change is being enmeshed in all aspects of the federal government as President Joe Biden has pledged to “build back better.” He will be hosting a Global Climate Change Summit on Earth Day, April 22, to which the countries emitting the largest amounts of fossil fuel emissions have been invited.
The science underlying the causes of our climate emergency is clear — we must quickly and drastically cut those emissions if we are to have any chance of leaving a livable planet to our children and grandchildren.
Early in April, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act was reintroduced in the House with 29 co-sponsors. This legislation places an increasing price on emissions at the source (mine, well, port of entry) and returns the proceeds to all Americans in the form of a monthly dividend. For most families, the dividend will more than offset the increased costs of carbon-based products.
In the initial rollout of the “American Jobs Plan,” there is no mention of a price on carbon even though thousands of economists, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, believe it would be the most productive way to reduce emissions.
Ahead of the Global Summit on April 22, I urge you to contact the White House and ask them to “put a price on carbon” through use of a carbon feed and dividend program.
BRUCE COOPER
Cranberry
The writer is a group leader of the Slippery Rock chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
First Published: April 8, 2021, 4:00 a.m.
