Climate advocates applaud McGovern for backing important climate bill

There’s no better time than now to encourage elected government officials at all levels to pass effective climate legislation. Members of the Pioneer Valley chapter of Citizen lobby for the climate (CCL) are delighted that U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02) has recently signed on as co-sponsor of the Law on energy innovation and the carbon dividend (HR 2307).

Rep. McGovern joins 94 House colleagues in supporting the bill, including Massachusetts delegation members Seth Moulton (MA-06) and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04).

“This bill, once passed by Congress and signed into law, will be the most significant economy-wide boost to our nation’s critical effort to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. “said Helen Seidler, a member of the local Pioneer Valley chapter of CLL. “Furthermore, it will put us in a global leadership position to encourage other countries to adopt similar legislation.”

The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act is one of the strongest pieces of climate legislation on the table in Congress. It will impose a royalty on carbon-emitting fossil fuels when they first enter the economy and allocate those revenues to Americans in the form of a monthly dividend or “cash back” payment.

This approach could also be incorporated into the final version of the Build Back Better bill that is expected to be presented to Congress this year. The ultimate impact of a price on carbon pollution is to make it attractive for households and businesses to switch from using fossil fuels to using non-polluting renewable energy sources to power our lives and our economy.

A carbon tax becomes affordable to ordinary Americans when money collected from fossil fuel companies is given as a dividend, or “carbon cash rebate” payment, to every American to pay. unrestricted spending. This protects low- and middle-income Americans who otherwise could not afford the transition.

The bill, whether stand-alone or part of a larger legislative package, is expected to reduce U.S. carbon pollution by at least 30% in the first five years and put us on the path to zero. net by 2050. As it does, it will also improve health and save lives by reducing the pollution Americans breathe. It will boost the economy by driving clean energy innovation and job growth.

And, crucially, it’s a necessary part of any successful strategy to meet the Biden administration’s goal of a 50% reduction in 2005 carbon emissions levels by 2030. Reaching that goal, we say climatologists, is essential if we are to avoid the worst future consequences of the warming of our planet.

“As chairman of the House Rules Committee, Rep. McGovern’s leadership on this bill is particularly significant.” said John Kinchla, a Hadley CCL volunteer and owner of Amherst Nurseries. “I am excited about the economic opportunities the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act will generate for many Western Mass businesses, and I want to thank Rep. McGovern for his sponsorship.”

Pioneer Valley CCL members have met with Rep. McGovern and his aides on several occasions over the past five years in Northampton and Washington, D.C. Members have also arranged numerous constituent phone calls and letters to the office on climate change and the need solutions.

“Congressman Jim McGovern has always been a big advocate for food security, and I’m so grateful to him for making climate a priority as well,” said Pioneer Valley CCL Chapter group leader Andrew Donson. “I really appreciate that by supporting the carbon tax and dividend, Congressman McGovern is showing his commitment to effective, transparent and fair legislation.”

The benefits of reducing carbon pollution and other greenhouse gases cannot be overstated. We all have a present and future interest in having cleaner air, cleaner water, healthy soils and healthy wildlife. Reducing pollution from burning fossil fuels can bring us these benefits. It is important to note that modern life can continue to provide its comforts and conveniences through wind, solar, tidal and most likely small-scale nuclear renewable energy.

There is also an element of fundamental justice in the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Communities that have borne the brunt of environmental degradation due to pollution from factories and industrial processes absolutely deserve relief and redress after decades of suffering. All future climate policies and legislation must take into account the benefits to frontline communities that have co-existed with pollution.

Today’s policymakers and voters owe it to future generations to protect the environment that sustains life and to steer us away from the local effects of extreme temperatures, extreme rainfall or drought, and extreme storms that disrupt our lives and our economy. Congressman McGovern’s continued attention and support for effective climate policy is appreciated.

John Piekara is a member of the Pioneer Valley Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a national non-profit organization with local chapters across the country. To find out more about their work, visit citizenclimatelobby.org.