See signs of climate change? There’s less snow, several heavy rain events, but mostly NH has been spared the devastating tornadoes, wildfires and droughts attacking other parts of the country with increasing ferocity. It’s not easy to talk about something this drastic or seemingly remote, but there are options and good ideas for controlling carbon emissions linked to climate change. The NH House might pass HR17, “opposing all federal and state efforts to establish a carbon tax on fuels…” Why cut off an option? We’re paying for fossil fuels now. Medical costs due to fossil-fuel caused air pollution and extreme temperatures now exceed $820,000,000,000 annually in the U.S. A carbon fee can help families. Carbon fees collected can be rebated to every household as a monthly check. Families spending this new income would create 210,000 new jobs annually.
“Border Carbon Adjustments” would protect U.S. manufacturers from overseas companies without a carbon fee. No wonder a carbon fee has been endorsed by over 3,600 U.S. economists as “the most cost-effective lever to reduce carbon emissions at the scale and speed that is necessary” (Wall Street Journal, 1/7/2019). Who wants to stop consideration of such an effective tool? Fossil fuel interests. Their spokespeople come to the State House to ensure we never take effective action against carbon emissions. Please tell your legislators to vote against HR 17 so we can consider effective methods for combatting climate change.
Susan Richman
Durham