I encourage Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, to consider endorsing HR 763, a bill for the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.
This bill is the first bipartisan climate legislation created in a decade. It addresses the hidden costs of burning fossil fuels. If enacted as a law, HR 763 will drive down greenhouse gas emissions by stimulating American innovation and ingenuity. It places a carbon fee on the production of coal, oil, or natural gas as they enter the U.S. economy.
Unlike a tax that the government keeps, this dividend collected from polluters is returned to taxpaying citizens. With the support of the free market, it will encourage producers of energy to reduce their carbon emissions, which will aid in the improved health and well-being of our communities. The city of Vancouver recognizes carbon emissions as a serious issue, leading it to move forward with the development of more bike lanes.
I hope Jaime Herrera Beutler can see the wisdom of supporting HR 763, to aid in the protection of the health of her constituents.
