I share Rep. Lauren Boebert’s concern about the economic impacts of declining oil and gas jobs and tax revenue in Western Colorado.
Market and regulatory pressures continue to mount. We are in the midst of an energy transition, whether we want to be or not. Will we take the lead and shape the economic landscape to suit our interests and abilities, or will we simply react to actions taken by others?
President Biden unveiled a broad regulatory agenda to force reductions in fossil fuel emissions. Conservative leaders have criticized the means chosen by the new administration, but not the goal itself. A warming climate exposes businesses and communities to rising costs and uncertainty. We must act swiftly to address the root cause. We can choose effective actions that are consistent with free enterprise principles.
One example is a carbon fee and dividend policy, which phases in a steadily rising fee on carbon pollution from fossil fuels and returns the revenue to households through equal per-capita monthly dividends. A border adjustment keeps American businesses competitive and increases pressure on our global trading partners to address their own emissions.
The clear and steady market signal lets businesses and communities plan ahead, integrating and innovating the cheapest, cleanest energy solutions for each particular application.
I urge Rep. Boebert to consider a carbon fee and dividend policy like the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. It’s an actionable plan to reduce carbon pollution without adding to the deficit, growing government, or banning energy development.
Kathy FacklerDurango
