Avoiding Climate Change
Those of us who are supporting efforts to correct climate
change are excited about a bill that has been introduced in the US Senate. It
is known as the Energy Innovation and
Carbon Dividend Act (HR 763). This bipartisan bill will drive down
America’s carbon pollution and bring climate change under control, while
unleashing American technology, innovation and ingenuity. The bill is receiving
growing support among both Republican and Democratic Congressmen and action may
be taken during this congressional session. Here are the details of the expected
consequences if Congress will pass this legislation.
Effective- This policy will reduce America’s carbon emissions by at
least 40% in the first 12 years. The bill is supported by economists and
scientists as simple, comprehensive, and effective.
Bipartisan- Republicans and Democrats are both on board,
cosponsoring this bill. Most Americans support Congress in acting on climate
change, including more than half of Republicans. Solving climate change is too
urgent to get caught up in partisan politics.
Revenue neutral- A fee will be charged on fossil fuels at the
source (mine, well, or port of entry). The fees collected will then be
re-allocated to all Americans as a dividend to spend any way they choose. The
government will not keep any of the fees collected, so the size of the
government will not grow and government revenues will be neutral.
Good for the Economy- This policy will create 2.1 million new jobs,
thanks to economic growth in local communities across America as the use of non-polluting
fuels are increased.
Good for people- This policy will improve health and save lives by
reducing pollution that Americans breathe. Poor air quality causes an estimated
114,000 U.S. deaths each year and sickens thousands more. Additionally, the
carbon dividend puts money directly into people’s pockets every month to spend
as they see fit, helping low- and middle-income Americans, since they are
likely to receive more money than they spend on more expensive fuels.
A thorough review of the bill can be found at
EnergyInnovationAct.org; please visit this website for details.
If you wish to help in avoiding more climate change problems,
please contact your legislators to urge their support of this important bill,
beginning with your Congressmen and continuing with State and local politicians
as well. We need our politicians to take action on climate change now since
experts believe that in 2030 we will reach the point at which remedial action
will be ineffective.
