Carbon fee program would fight global warming

Published 1:30 am Thursday, June 15, 2023

Wildfire season is arriving earlier and earlier due to climate change. In May, wildfires broke out in Alberta. In early June, Washington State fought the Naches wildfire. Then, wildfires began in Eastern Canada which severely impacted Canadians and blanketed Americans in smoke.

Recent climate policy instills hope. On the state level, the Climate Commitment Act is limiting emissions. On the national level, the Inflation Recovery Act is funding climate programs.

But we need to do more — and soon.

A national price on carbon would be the most efficient and fastest way to reduce emissions. Carbon pricing involves little red tape and relies on the market. If the revenues were returned as a cash-back dividend, it would cover increased energy prices for most Americans.

We need Congress to pass a carbon fee program this year with revenues returned to Americans.

Kristi Weir

Bellevue