There is a climate strategy that kills three birds with one stone: it strengthens our manufacturers, counters bad actors like Russia or China, and drives down global emissions. It is the kind of innovative thinking Utah needs to address this important issue.
America produces goods with far fewer carbon emissions than any other country. We continue to open our doors to low-cost goods with high emissions from countries like China. This is a huge waste of money and a disaster for the environment. This is a direct play into the hands for regimes who don’t share our values.
We can help the environment and turn the tide on China by imposing a carbon fee across the country and applying it to imports at our borders. As Sen. Romney Recently, notedThis policy would make steelmakers in Utah and across the nation more competitive, as they are cleaner than many overseas producers. It would also increase market pressure on China to reduce its emissions.
Now, you can get a New op-edThis concept is furthered by Sen. Kevin Cramer, R., ND. They argue that Europe can reduce its dependence upon Russian gas by joining forces with European allies in a common carbon-border fee. This would weaken Vladimir Putin and help American energy producers. The authors point out that the European Union is consuming more than it needs from Russian natural gas. 40 percent higherPer unit of energy, compared to U.S. shipments liquefied natural gases.
It’s time for a national climate policy that puts our national interest first. A national carbon fee and border adjustment are the right options.
Ted Arnoldus
Draper
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