In Response
Dear Editor: Re: “Climate Connections,” Sept. 25 Sentinel, page 2.
The consensus for carbon pricing to limit global warming both strengthens and broadens. ‘‘Managing Climate Risk in the U.S. Financial System,’’ the report referenced in the Sept. 25 Climate Connection article, was published in mid-September by a special climate subcommittee to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The central message of this report is to highlight the profound risks to the financial system posed by climate change. The report from this Wall Street regulator does not hold back when it states “financial markets will only be able to channel resources efficiently to activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions if an economy-wide price on carbon is in place at a level that reflects the true social cost of those emissions.”
This recent finding is not surprising and corroborates findings of, and recommendations from, many others. The Largest Public Statement of Economists in History, signed by 3,589 U.S. economists, all four former chairs of the Federal Reserve, 27 Nobel Laureate economists and 15 former chairs of the Council of Economic Advisers, also calls for the pricing of carbon. Recently adding their voice calling for carbon pricing is the Business Roundtable, a lobbying group of CEOs from some of the largest U.S. companies, announcing its support on Sept. 16 for market-based carbon pricing in efforts to combat climate change. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce realizes that “inaction is not an option.” Polling (2020) by the Yale Program on Climate Change shows that 68% of American adults support taxing fossil fuel companies while equally reducing other taxes. Sixty percent of adults think the president and Congress should do more to address global warming. Seventy percent of adults think corporations should do more to address global warming.
It is no wonder why majorities in the public and in business recognize the threat we face and call for carbon pricing. What is harder is to understand are those who wish to deny the need for action and/or frame the issue as politically partisan. A narrow group of special interests gain short term economic advantage sustaining the fossil fuel status quo. But even with short term economic advantage, these interests are losers with the rest of us as we experience more and more costs due to climate change.
Policy surrounding implementation of carbon pricing can provide for multiple objectives, including benefits to the economy in general. By correcting the market’s failure to account for the costs of fossil fuel emissions, market participants will respond with investment and growth that supports decarbonizing our economy. This will stimulate investment and job creation as we transition. It is a fallacy to believe decarbonization is bad for our economy. On the contrary, by looking at the risks of inaction (or inadequate action), and the costs associated with these risks, it is clear that the current trajectory will destroy our economy along with the habitability of our planet.
Thoughtful and bipartisan carbon pricing policy has been introduced in the House of Representatives in H.R. 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. This proposed legislation will be good for people, good for the economy, and does not build government (market-driven and revenue-neutral). Consider learning more and becoming a supporter. A good place to start is https://energyinnovationact.org/. Also feel free to give me a call for information. Support can be shown by calling or emailing Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young to request their support of HR 763 and/or a comparable bill in the Senate. And, please vote.
Kent Barkhau,
Volunteer and co-leader,
Sitka Citizens Climate Lobby
Vote Duncan, Himschoot
Dear Editor: We believe Rebecca Himschoot and Crystal Duncan are the best choices to serve on our Assembly. They bring experience, knowledge, compassion, and a collaborative approach to issues timely and important to Sitkans.
Crystal’s broad experience in both business and health agencies will bring needed expertise to our Assembly. Rebecca, with her 16 years of teaching in Sitka’s schools plus her statewide and national leadership in education, will bring an important perspective and voice to the Assembly table.
While many of the candidates have valuable insights and should be commended for their willingness to serve, Rebecca and Crystal stand out as extremely capable, thoughtful, and ready to dig into the hard work of serving all Sitkans. They will make our Assembly an even stronger governing body to serve Sitka. Their expertise and knowledge will help us face the challenges that we know will be a part of Sitka’s future.
Please join us in voting for them both on Oct. 6!
Toby and Norm Campbell,
Kelly Buxton, Libby Stortz,
Linda Schmidt, Erika Knox,
John Stein, Larry Jackson,
Kay Kreiss, Elizabeth Will,
Gaylen Needham, Dorrie Farrell, Barb Amberg, Connie Kreiss,
Floyd Tomkins, Stephen Lawrie, Tom and Gretchen Clarke,
Ted Howard, Julie Schmitts,
Brenda Campen, Matt Lawrie,
Patricia Magnuson, Dale Dupuis, Harriet and Ron McClain,
Sarah Lawrie,
Fred Knowles, Auriella Hughes, Sarah Bergendahl, Ernie Eggleston,
Steve Paustian, Mary Beth Nelson, Nancy Yaw Davis,
John and Jan Straley,
Nancy Knapp and Mark Gorman
Supports Bethune
Dear Editor: I am supporting Amy Bethune for Assembly. I have spent time talking to her and asking various questions.
I asked why she was interested in serving on the Assembly and what qualifications she has to move the city forward. I found her very knowledgeable and practical on budgeting for all the city expenses including the school district. She has listed in the newspaper ads what her top issues are and are listed below.
A business-friendly Sitka, responsible development, funding for education, slower tax rate growth and government transparency. Also important to her is law and order, emergency services and basic infrastructure, a light hand in government.
For candidates to state they will support full funding for education shows they don’t understand the entire city budget, and how to get to a balanced budget and funding all the city departments require, including education.
Amy does home schooling because she has the desire and knowledge to do so. Amy believes in both home schooling and also supporting the Sitka School District with all the funding that is available.
Amy has said while funding city needs is very important and necessary, she is interested in getting involved with all the other issues the city has to deal with. She wants to tackle all the issues and is willing to put in the work necessary to get it done.
Amy said she has the commitment to spend on the Assembly issues.
Nancy Blatchley Davis, Sitka
