Do you think phasing out fossil fuels would be bad for the economy? Do you worry people would lose their jobs? You’re not alone. Politicians and those with a vested interest in keeping us dependent on fossil fuels repeat untruths about how getting rid of fossil fuels would ‘destroy the economy.’ But it’s far from true. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite. Phasing out fossil fuels would be the best thing we could do for our economy. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, if we transition to renewables, we would save more than $800 billion in annual public health savings and nearly 1.3 trillion in avoided climate damages by 2050. And jobs? A study by Science Direct found that renewable energy creates 7.49 full-time-equivalent (FTE) jobs per $1 million spending, and energy efficiency creates 7.72 FTE jobs per $1 million spending. Compare this with 2.65 FTE jobs per $1 million spending created with fossil fuels (same study).

So what’s the best way to phase out fossil fuels? According to most economists, including Janet Yellen, putting a fee on pollution at the source and returning the proceeds back to all citizens equally is the fastest, most efficient way to transition to renewable energy. Not only does this strategy work, but it spurs innovation, generates new good-paying jobs, and stimulates the economy while doing it. At the same time, most families get more cash back than they pay out in higher prices. Write your congressperson to let them know: We need to phase out fossil fuels now. It’s easy to do at Citizens Climate Lobby.

Barbara Southard

Bradford