To the editor:

Climate change is here and it is a threat to our state, our nation, and our world. President Biden’s plan to cut American carbon emissions has been shot down, but fortunately Congress is contemplating legislation, a carbon fee and dividend, that would provide a framework for a market based solution to climate change that would spur carbon neutral innovation, be socially equitable and stimulate the economy.

Carbon fee and dividend works by placing a price on carbon at its source and increasing it annually. This slowly, consistently and predictably over time leads to a rise in fossil fuel prices. This, in turn, leads simultaneously to a decrease in carbon pollution while creating markets for non-carbon energy sources and energy conservation.

Meanwhile, 100 percent of the revenues are rebated back to consumers. This can be done at a flat rate or in a progressive manner so that, in either case, the poor and middle class are shielded from higher energy prices.

Studies show that carbon pricing is the most effective tool we have to fight climate change, and carbon fee and dividend is both good for the economy and equitable for the poor and working class.

Carbon fee and dividend would give the market the working environment to put America at the forefront of the energy technology revolution, which will be the defining advancement for mankind in the 21st century. It will do it in a way that will help the economy and actually go a long way to mending our tattered social fabric.

Geoffrey Berg
Circuit Drive