Climate Change
Dear Editor: Monday’s story, “Sitkans Lobby in D.C. for Climate Action,” alarms me.
I urge fellow Sitkans in the Citizens Climate Lobby to pause and reconsider. While the passion to join-up toward arresting climate change is noble, I believe the Lobby’s proposed federal legislation is gravely counterproductive.
Background: the proposal – (1) puts an increasing “fee” on the carbon content of fuels, raising prices on fuels and many goods; (2) pays as “dividends” all of the collected fees, in an equalized amount to each household, nationwide; and (3) results in two-thirds of households gaining more in “dividends” than they spend on the “fees” embedded in prices. The Lobby says this Fee and Dividend program will halve carbon emissions after 20 years of steadily increasing the fees.
This halving of emissions is a planned failure. The science is clear: we MUST cut carbon emissions to zero by about 2035 to avoid unbearable consequences of climate change. And even that is based on the outdated politically-determined assumption that a global-average temperature increase of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius is safe.
The Lobby’s “dividends” are another failure point, as Alaska’s PFD amply demonstrates. Despite Alaska’s grave budget crisis, the PFD Dividend has proven to be politically untouchable (even in the absence of an income tax!). A carbon “dividend,” too, will become politically self-perpetuating, LOCKING-IN fossil fuel use at some level, because people will become dependent on the “dividend” generated by such use.
Also, expect the Lobby’s scheme to increase emissions. Among the wealthy one-third of the populace (for whom price-embedded fees would exceed dividends), many would simply pay the higher prices and not substantially reduce their carbon emissions. The other two-thirds of people would net a monetary gain, and overall this added household income will lead to increased consumption of goods and fuel, increasing carbon emissions.
Then there is this: The Lobby is a “strategic partner” with and shares advisors with another organization, the Climate Leadership Council. The Council proposes a similar Fee and Dividend scheme. Among its few founding members are BP, ExxonMobil and Shell Oil. Why is that, I ask you?
The Council’s legislation would additionally abolish existing climate-protecting regulations, which it says are unnecessary with Fee and Dividend. It also would abolish any liability of oil companies over their deceit in keeping America hooked on fossil fuel use, despite their decades of insider knowledge on the climate impacts.
The Lobby’s popularized promotion of Fee and Dividend is a Pandora’s Box for all the above short-falling or climate-worsening outcomes.
Larry Edwards, Sitka
Solstice Cruise
Dear Editor: On Friday, June 16, Raven Radio held its annual Solstice Cruise fundraiser. Over 80 Sitkans came along to enjoy the sights from our Allen Marine catamaran while listening to the tunes of ChordPlay, and nibbling on delicious appetizers from Our Town Catering.
We would like send a big thank you to Allen Marine Tours, whose generous donation allows the proceeds from the cruise to support Raven Radio programming. And to our fun, capable Allen Marine crew for finding the whales, and calm water.
Also, thanks to the great crew at Old Harbor Books for managing ticket sales, Rebecca Danon who provided the poster and web post design, to Edith Johnson and staff from Our Town Catering, and to ChordPlay for making this year’s cruise a hit.
Finally, thank you to everyone who cruised with us this year. We hope to see you onboard next summer!
Raven Radio board and staff
Beautiful Sitka
Dear Editor: Thank you. I know I am very fortunate to have experienced Sitka in such glorious sunshine and want to acknowledge what a beautiful place you have created.
Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. If you ever come to Canmore, Alberta, I hope you are greeted and welcomed in the same way. Regards.
Sinead Hanna, Alberta, Canada
