OPINION — Two momentous events occurred in late November: the release of the 4th National Climate Assessment and the introduction of a bipartisan congressional act to address it, HR 7173, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2018.

The Climate Assessment describes the high economic, environmental, health, safety and national security costs of continuing on our current emissions path, and the short time frame for action. These emissions impact the air we breath now and the Earth our children will inherit.

HR 7173 would apply an increasing fee on emissions from domestic sources and at entry ports, enabling our businesses to remain competitive worldwide while driving other countries to enact a similar policy.

Revenues would be returned to citizens as a dividend, erasing consumer cost impacts. The effect will be economic pressure for clean energy, unleashing innovation, spurring job and economic growth. See “Our Solution” on the Citizens’ Climate Lobby website for more information.

Utah’s Legislature passed state resolution HCR-007 this year, encouraging emissions reductions. Now we need to pass that sentiment on to Congress.  Send a letter to your US representatives encouraging their support of HR 7173.

Submitted by TOM BUTINE, St. George, Utah.