The story about how climate change could hurt the West (Herald, March 24) addresses a concern not only for our resources but also for the economy. Needless to say, less rain and snow affects the tourism industry, the cost of food and agricultural production. The story offers some recommendations of what can be done to help remedy the problem. Some of these are good for us to be mindful of daily. If everyone turned off the water while brushing teeth and while washing hands, millions of gallons of water would be saved in reservoirs and groundwater. Water can no longer be taken for granted; it may soon be a luxury.
Another strategy is to address the economy and climate directly. A fee and dividend (economic) approach can be a very effective way to address these problems. In this proposal, a fee is placed on all carbon-producing fuels at the point of production, or if imported, at the point of entry. This fee is not a tax because it would not grow the government. Instead, it would be equitably refunded to all households nationally. It is revenue-neutral. The dividend would more than compensate two-thirds of U.S. citizens for the rise in cost of fuels. This would boost the economy and create greater competition in the market for energy sources, stimulating alternative energy growth.
This approach has been studied by the nonpartisan Regional Economic Models, Inc. The study indicates that a revenue-neutral carbon fee would slash emissions and add net jobs to the U.S. economy (see citizensclimatelobby.org/remi-report/). Fee and dividend has been supported by members of both major political parties. Please let Sens. Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet, and Rep. Scott Tipton know you support this plan and urge them to do the same.
Andrew Zeiler
Gem Village
