Ron Dickson
There are many issues that we all disagree on today. However, addressing climate change does not have to be one of these things. We are seeing increasing drought in Colorado, water supply problems, and increasing wildfire danger are all realities. Climate change is not the only reason for these changes. A steadily warming climate acts like a threat multiplier, increasing the severity and impact of these events. These hazards are common to all Coloradans, regardless what political affiliation we may be. What should we do?
There are many ways to address climate change. Some of these options only increase our political divide. Liberals and conservatives both support the carbon fee and dividend (CF&D), which is a particularly effective policy. This method places a tax on carbon and pays each American dividends to cover the increased cost of fuel. U.S. jobs and manufacturers are protected from foreign pricing that does not yet have a carbon fee. This allows the marketplace to drive technological innovations that will reduce CO2 emissions 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero CO2 emissions in 2050.
The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2021 H.R. 95 Democratic cosponsors currently support H.R.2307 This includes Colorado Reps. Crow (Perlmutter), Neguse, and Degette. Colorado Sens. Hickenlooper and Bennet have also expressed their support for a CF&D strategy.
We are proud of the efforts made by Colorado at the local and state levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase our resilience. Leadership in transitioning to a new energy economy will require active support from the national legislature. Innovative and new approaches will accelerate meaningful change. To that end, Colorado legislators Edie Hooton and Judy Amabile are working toward joint resolution R22-0283 – Congress Enact Carbon Fee. This resolution, as the name suggests, calls on the U.S. Congress to impose a carbon fee.
Interestingly, a CF&D-based policy is also inherently conservative. The policy promoted through CF&D
Is rooted within conservative values. Values that promote free enterprise through a market-based model. This is the driving force behind the conservatives that initially developed CF&D (including James A. Baker and Henry M. Paulson Jr., George P. Shultz among others who served Presidents Bush or Reagan).
It doesn’t impose additional regulations on American industry. A carbon price is preferable to other climate solutions. Businesses are able to adjust their operations while remaining financially stable, thanks to a predictable and steadily rising carbon price. The Business Roundtable and the American Petroleum Institute, as well as the CEO Climate Dialogue and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have all expressed preference for carbon pricing.
Prevents any government from giving unilateral authority. A carbon fee will encourage innovative solutions in a new market for energy. It encourages innovation and doesn’t pick winners and losers.
It is endorsed by a group of 20 national faith organisations, including the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church, Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.
Through technical innovation, America can preserve its energy independence.
Can provide job training, transition support and job placement for displaced workers.
It doesn’t fuel government growth, as it returns most of its revenue to the American people.
It has the potential to create millions more jobs that will transform America’s economy. Over 3,500 economists in America support the CF&D strategy.
If you are concerned by climate change and want to find a bipartisan solution to it, please contact your federal congressional representatives. Ask them to support a dividend policy and a carbon fee. No matter what political affiliation you may be, now is the time to act!
Ron Dickson, an environmental engineer, is a member of the Fort Collins chapter the Citizens Climate Lobby. This group represents over 400 members in the Loveland-Fort Collins metro areas.
