A new study shows that nearly three quarters of the blame for environmental damage is placed on the world’s wealthiest nations. The White House has suggested that a suspension of gasoline taxes be considered.
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Study: Eco harm is most common in wealthy nations
Wealthy nations are responsible for nearly three-quarters of ecological damage worldwide, according to research published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health.
Researchers were responsible for calculating fair share of resources, which was subtracted from the actual use of resources by nations.
What were the results? They found that the U.S. had the highest excess resource usage at 27 percent, followed by the European Union’s 25 percent. According to the research, China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, was responsible for 15% of excess material usage.
Nevertheless, countries in the Caribbean, the Middle East, and low-income African and Latin American countries combined accounted for only 8 percent of excess resource usage.
These results suggest that rich countries owe a huge ecological debt to the rest of humanity. They should be leading the way in repairing these damages, Jason Hickel, a professor from the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, told The Hill by email. Their first step is to reduce their resource use by 70% from the existing levels.
Hickel pointed out that although the study did not cover climate change-related ecological damage, previous research by the team indicated similar breakdowns of responsibility. He said that both crises are being caused by rich countries and that they must take responsibility for it.
Learn more about the study.
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PSAKI SAYS GASOLINETAX PAUSE IS ON TABLE
Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, stated Friday that a suspension of federal gasoline tax was on the table. However, she did not endorse the idea.
When asked by reporters about the tax, she said that it was on the table.
As you all know, our primary focus is to increase supply and get more to the global marketplace. But it remains an option.
Suspending the approximately 18 cents-per-gallon tax faces an uphill battle in Congress, as it has been pushed by vulnerable Democrats but has also faced bipartisan opposition.
Kate Bedingfield, White House communications chief, has previously said that the idea is still on the table. The president is exploring all options to help consumers with gas prices.
Read more about the gas tax politics in a story from Rachel and The Hills Alex Gangitano published this week.
New Yorkers will be able to take a holiday from the gas tax
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced Thursday that New Yorkers will get some relief from high prices at the pump, with a suspension in the states gas tax from June through the end of the year.
Hochul delivered the news during a press conference on her $220 billion state budget, the terms of which had been under debate with state legislative leaders since she submitted her proposal in January.
The governor stated that we understand the need to stop Russian oil from entering our reserves. And I applaud everything President Biden has done to show that we are willing to stand with the Ukrainian people, as they are under assault by a war criminal.
We now have to look at people, see where they are, and meet their needs at this time of stress. This budget will help people get more money.
Hochul claims that the gas tax suspension equivalent of 16 cents a gallon will result to a total relief of $585million for families and businesses throughout New York.
Tackling rising fuel prices, she explained, is part of a statewide search to find what we can do to give people just a break.
Hochul also stated that she is in constant contact with individual counties to request that they halt taxes at the local level.
The cumulative effect can have a huge impact on people. When they go to the pump, they feel stressed. As they try to figure out how they will pay for it, they start to think about the cost.
Continue reading from The Hills Sharon Usadin.
WHAT WE’RE READING
California school district sues Shell and Dow over cancer-causing chemical found in water (The Modesto Bee).
Baltimore wins climate case against Exxon and BP (Reuters).
Groups Say: Bloomberg Law: Pollution Shields for Faulty Trees Need a Better Fix
The New York Times reports that a new era of air pollution in the Tropics could have a huge impact.
EPA investigates Louisiana Environmental and Health Agencies for racial discrimination (NOLA.com).
Last but not least, something completely off-beatWe want one.
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading. For the most recent news and coverage, visit The HillsEnergy & Environment. We look forward to seeing you Monday.
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