There is no lack of disagreement on the current political scene. What about looking to what most of us do agree on? What common ground do we all share?

Americans agree we all profit from a thriving economy and strong employment. We also all profit from clean energy. Clean energy supports our health with safe, non-toxic air and water. Is it possible to have these three goals not be at odds with each other?

Placing a gradually increasing fee on carbon will reduce consumption of fossil fuels. Returning that collected revenue to individual households (not the government – that would be called a tax) on an equal monthly dividend basis could be our ticket to supporting the economy, jobs and clean power! An economics teacher once told me, “If you want to change a person’s behavior, talk to their wallet.” We can reduce our carbon consumption by talking to our wallets.

Economy: Studies find a revenue-neutral carbon fee can actually boost the economy. While 84 percent of economists agree that climate change negatively affects the economy, a resounding 98 percent agree that a market-based solution could achieve significant reduction in carbon emissions while spurring the economy.

Jobs: A 25 percent increase in renewable energy by 2025 is estimated to result in the net creation of 202,000 jobs. With numbers like these, it’s no wonder a strong majority of economists support pricing carbon.

Clean energy: A win-win for all, including future generations. A predictably increasing carbon fee will send a clear market signal which will unleash entrepreneurs and investors in the new clean-energy economy.

The key to creating American jobs now and in the future is not an investment in fossil fuels, it is in investment in the green economy. Call or write Colorado Sens. Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet, and Rep. Scott Tipton to invest in our economy, jobs and clean energy with support for a market-based carbon fee and dividend proposal. We can find common ground!

Susan Atkinson

Durango