Causecast

by GLORIA RUEBEN, Causecast Leader

We all know that climate change is a global, not a local issue. That is, we can not solve it unless we work with others around the world. But until developing and industrialized nations are willing to work in tandem (not just within the EU) but at least across the top twenty emitters, we will not move towards a sustainable outcome for the world. As a major emitter, the U.S must be responsible for itself and take steps commensurate with its role as a leading nation and as an oversized energy consumer. We must not be long on words and short on action.

Some advocate that we should tax carbon emissions. The chairman of Exxon-Mobil has been outspoken saying he would prefer that. He knows a tax on emissions will not guarantee any real carbon reductions unless it was a rather severe tax and he knows Congress will not do that now. Others want a tax to pay for needed social programs. As laudable as that may be, the energy bill must be primarily devoted to solving the energy and climate crisis. And all of this is a moot point because most in the House and Senate reject a carbon tax during one of the deepest recessions in history.

That leaves the so-called Cap and Trade legislation. Even though cap and trade has been shown to be effective tool to curb sulfur oxides in regards to acid rain in the U.S., it can only work on carbon dioxide as long as the U.S. avoids the mistakes of the EU by starting with solid baseline of emissions data and by not doling out free “allowances” to polluters who may not required to invest those allowances in actual pollution reductions, energy efficiencies and to offset transitional costs to their consumers.

Energy legislation is, of course, an economic issue as it shifts financial resources away from dirty fossil fuels and unstable imported oil and towards carbon-free energy. This policy debate is one that effects our future well being far beyond that as it reduces the economic damages caused by droughts, floods, fires, and coastal flooding, as it takes the first steps in addressing the climate crisis.

Congress must takes steps to devote the revenues generated from public auctions and require that allowance revenues be used to actually solve the climate crisis—by creating new energy jobs, safeguarding the environment and by avoiding any negative cost consequences to consumers—this includes being strict and conservative about the number of energy credits given out in the first place.

This is an urgent issue that is not a “wait and see” issue. Check out The Huffington Post article on the Cap and Trade climate and energy bill.

Also, please read the excellent blog post by Joseph Romm that gives a specific summary of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Call your member of Congress and urge them to act now to lead the way to a solution by enacting a strong American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Photo by pfala, flickr