I was disturbed to read the article “Report says climate change accelerating in California,” especially since Oregon is experiencing many of the same issues around droughts, wildfires, threatened species and the livelihoods that depend on them.
As mentioned, California takes “world-leading actions,” which gives me some hope. And some states, like Oregon, intend on following California’s lead by banning selling new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. However, as emphasized in the article, time is not on our side. How realistic is it that the other 49 states will also step up to the plate and implement substantial climate action in the next year? Not very.
That’s why we need impactful federal legislation. The Inflation Reduction Act was a monumental success that will get us to 40 percent emissions reduction by 2030. Even so, the last 10 percent of reductions is key. What’s the best way to achieve significant reduction in carbon emissions? Economists say a carbon fee is the most effective policy. Pairing it with a citizen rebate, such as carbon fee and dividend, would make an equitable and effective solution.
I call on Sens. Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden, Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray to pass carbon pricing in the next legislative session.
