New Yorkers ready for carbon pricing

A majority of New Yorkers agree the cost of electricity should reflect the social and environmental harms its production causes (“New Yorkers back carbon pricing for electricity, poll finds” Sept. 29).

In a way, this is surprising. Does that mean New

Yorkers are ready to pay higher fees for their electricity? Probably not. The poll results mean that a majority of New Yorkers do not expect to pay more with carbon pricing because they understand the enormous potential of inexpensive, renewable energy sources.

The poll is a strong message to Gov. Andrew Cuomo to stop any new gas infrastructure plans that are now on his desk, such as the proposed new Danskammer natural gas power plant and National Grid’s “Plan B,” which would extend the life of their fracked-gas distribution system.

The poll is also proof that the public understands the gravity of climate change and the role that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels play in creating it. This should give the governor sufficient encouragement to carry through on large-scale wind and solar plants despite some local opposition.

Carbon pricing becomes a compelling tool for advancing the development of clean energy when government helps supply the opportunities for that development to occur. If carbon pricing makes fossil fuels less attractive and government support makes renewables more attractive, New York will be on its way to reaching its goal of freedom from fossil fuels by 2050. Debra Handel Shoreham