There are many reasons Congress must act sooner rather than later to address climate change.
Although even today’s best research and science cannot predict precisely what our planet will be like if we stay the present course, it becomes clearer by the day that extreme weather, ocean acidification, melting glaciers, rising sea levels and massive population displacements from coastal areas will be major factors shaping the world for our grandchildren.
You may have heard that many conservative economists and elder statesmen, such as George Shultz, are calling for a carbon fee to reduce future CO2 emissions and thus delay and reduce the worst case climate change scenarios. Shultz endorses Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s approach, calling for Carbon Fee and Dividend. Revenues from a gradually increasing fee on carbon fuels would be returned to households to offset their higher energy costs. Studies show that this approach would cut CO2 emissions to 50 percent of 1990 levels within 20 years and create over 2 million jobs as clean energy innovation is incentivized. Because this plan uses market forces rather than regulation, it appeals to legislators of both parties.
And there is good news! Congress is recognizing the importance of addressing climate change! The Climate Solutions Caucus is rapidly growing and now includes 56 House members, half Republicans and half Democrats. The goal of the caucus is to “educate members on economically-viable options to reduce climate risk and protect our nation’s economy, security, infrastructure, agriculture, water supply and public safety”. Note that there are two Virginia Republicans who have joined the caucus. Our 6th District representative, Bob Goodlatte, has not yet joined, but I hope that will change soon. If you agree that Rep. Goodlatte should join the Climate Solutions Caucus and help Congress get serious about addressing climate change, let him know! It takes only a few minutes to call his local office at 540-857-2672 or to send him an email online.
- Pat Bower, Member of the Lynchburg chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby