Climateforward solutions

J.D. Morris’ article “Report: High electric rates imperil state climate goals” (Feb. 23) reports a recent study out of think tank Next 10, which states that California’s residential electricity prices are two to three times higher than the cost to produce and distribute the electricity. These higher costs, the study reports, are due to climateforward investments, such as energy efficiency programs and rooftop solar subsidies, being charged in residential rates, and these higher costs disproportionately burden lowerincome families.

It is undoubtedly true that higher electricity prices are inequitable, with the Department of Energy reporting that lowincome households face an energy burden three times higher than that of nonlowincome households.

The cost of fossilfuel based power also falls disproportionately on lowerincome communities in the form of externalities such as higher air pollution.

Given the accelerating climate crisis, we need climateforward innovation that is equitable. One solution is the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, which has been cosponsored by Reps. Jackie Speier and Anna Eshoo. The bill proposes a carbon fee on fossil fuels, the proceeds of which are distributed equally every month to American families. This bill is a hallmark example that we can find solutions that are climateforward, innovationspurring, and equitable.

Christian Ramil, San Francisco