While the writer of the letter “Reject Carbon Fee” (Our Readers’ Views, May 9) is correct that a carbon tax increases the cost of everything, the dividend portion of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 2307) returns all of those fees to consumers on an equal basis. In other words, families driving three gas-guzzling SUVs will see less benefit than those living in more modest means. About two-thirds of families in the U.S. end up ahead, particularly lower-income families.
Additionally, the assumption that we can have no impact on other countries and their CO2 output is addressed by the border adjustment feature of the bill. Countries that don’t have their own carbon price in place will pay a tax on imports, leveling the playing field for our manufacturers and incentivizing other countries to decrease their reliance on fossil fuels thus reducing their carbon emissions.
This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. It’s an attempt to help mitigate the effects of climate change that our children and grandchildren will have to live with. When we moved to Vancouver in 2002, we enjoyed a clear view of Mount Hood most days. Today, the air is hazy and salmon fishing is a story we tell our grandchildren.
