Lawmaker with a plan

Climate change continues to accelerate. We are seeing record highs in land and ocean temperatures, sea levels and greenhouse gas concentrations; frequent extreme weather events, and escalating public health impacts. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres believes that we have just one year to begin to dramatically reduce carbon emissions, else the damage may become irreversible. He is urging leaders worldwide: “Don’t come with a speech; come with a plan.”

Of the 15 largest economies in the world, only the United States, India, and Russia lack a nationwide carbon pricing plan either in place or in the works. Thumbs up to Congressman Jim Himes for coming with a plan — not just a speech — to change that in the form of his co-sponsorship of The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.

The Act would impose a fee on the carbon content in fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas. After administrative costs, these fees would be returned to the American people in the form of monthly dividend checks. To insure a level playing field for U.S. manufacturers, goods imported from countries that do not impose a similar fee would be assessed a border adjustment, and U.S. exports to such countries would be exempt from the carbon fee. By properly pricing the pollution that fossil fuels emit, the legislation is expected to decrease fossil fuel consumption, dramatically reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and investment in green energy technologies.