Until very recently, the danger of climate change has been in America’s periphery, but in light of the tragic wildfires, floods and disastrous storms, its devastating impact has become a stark reality for many citizens of our beautiful state and country. Even as I write to you, many who have lost their homes and loved ones to the wildfires are subject to evacuations in case of mudslides during this week’s extreme rainfall. Meanwhile, studies like the Fourth Climate Assessment (released on Nov. 23) have forced climate change into the limelight, showing the far-reaching consequences if we don’t take drastic measures to reduce emissions of heat-trapping gases.
Although it’s taken time, tragedy and an urgent push from the science community, solutions to climate change are coming to the forefront of America’s political agenda. The bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act was just introduced, which would place a steadily rising fee on carbon pollution from the source and return all revenue to households equally. This bill is a market-based approach with bipartisan support, and will drive down carbon pollution while putting money in people’s pockets, which means it benefits the economy and creates jobs.
I write asking for our representative, Congressman Ted Lieu, to support this bill in the next congressional session, as his voice is essential to motivating change. It’s time to set aside partisan differences and, for the good of our nation and the world, start addressing the threat of climate change by enacting the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act in the next congressional session.
Emily Kulaga