Climate Lobby
Dear Editor: About three weeks ago we traveled to Washington, D.C., with four other Alaskans and hundreds of other Americans, as volunteers for the Citizens Climate Lobby for Congressional Education Day on Capitol Hill.
We Alaskans were welcomed again (some of us have made the journey multiple times) into the offices of our members of Congress. Sen. Murkowski and Sen. Sullivan met with us personally; in Congressman Young’s office, we met with his legislative aide. They all appreciate the effort and expense involved when their constituents make the long trip to the Capital. More importantly, they are truly interested in the views of all Alaskans, and take time to meet with us face-to-face. When we ask them and their staff what we can do that will make it easier for them to support our proposal, we are told to encourage others to voice their opinions, we are told to gather endorsements, but especially, we are told to “tell our story,” how we are personally affected and what action we want to see.
As has been reported elsewhere, last week in the House, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (HR7173) was introduced by three Republicans and three Democrats working together for climate solutions. This historic and promising bill follows closely the carbon fee and dividend framework advocated by CCL and its volunteers. In fact, Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), sponsor and spokesman, publicly credited the efforts of CCL volunteers as a driving force in the creation of this legislation and its bi-partisan support, evidence of the effectiveness of persistent involvement by ordinary citizens.
This bill’s passage, or a similar bill in the next Congress, will result in meaningful reductions in CO2 emissions. An estimated 40 percent in 10 years and 90 percent by 2050. At the same time it will grow jobs, GDP, and avoid much of the astronomical cost of unchecked warming. And, about two-thirds of Americans will receive more in dividends than they will pay in higher prices.
The urgency for significant action is building. The findings released in last week’s National Climate Assessment show that continued inaction will be catastrophic for our environment, our economy, and our health. These House leaders are taking an historic step with the introduction of this bipartisan legislation; Congress must act with the urgency this crisis demands.
We believe it will take our collective voices asking for their support and votes on HR7173, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, or any others addressing the crisis we face, to get immediate action on the national level. Call, e-mail and write, tell your personal story, urge your family and friends to do the same. Please call Rep. Young at (202-225-5465, 907-271-5978, fax 907-271-5950), and ask for his whole-hearted support. Also, please take the next step by calling Sen. Murkowski (202-224-6665), and Sen. Sullivan, (202-224-3004) and asking them to support a carbon fee and dividend bill in the Senate.
Kent Barkhau, Barbara Bingham
Sitka
