Local activists campaign to fight climate change

A few weeks ago, the Maui County Council passed resolutions in favor of two bills, which dealt with the concept known as “carbon pricing.”

Briefly put, “carbon pricing” reduces the amount of greenhouse gases by creating a new charge on the production of fossil fuels. The basic idea is to incentivize innovation by making polluting fuels more expensive so that users will find alternatives, primarily in the renewable energy category.

All of the fees levied against the fossil fuel producers will be returned to U.S. citizens. This bill will pay all American citizens and will not increase the federal budget deficit.

One bill is known as the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (HR-763). It currently has 80 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. When passed, it will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent in 10 to 12 years, will create millions of excellent renewable energy jobs, will be revenue neutral and will further reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It will not increase the federal budget deficit.

This bill, along with hundreds of others, is currently stalled in Congress and needs to be brought to the floor for a debate and vote. As a nationwide and effective lobbying group, the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, with over 180,000 members, is deeply committed to lobby effectively for this important legislation. Here on Maui, our Citizens Climate Lobby chapter numbers nearly 300, all committed to working for the goals and promise of this vital legislation.

To join CCL, or to endorse this bill, visit www.energyinnovationact.org. Jeff Stark Makawao