A win-win-win on climate

The Spokesman-Review on Nov. 27 highlighted the National Climate Assessment findings of growing and extreme climate change dangers in every region of the U.S. and the necessity of acting now. Climate change is a human issue, no matter the party or region.

This week, three Republicans and three Democrats introduced a bipartisan bill to put a fee on carbon and give the revenue back to households. The act would decrease carbon emissions while stimulating the economy and protecting consumers, businesses and farmers. This is a win-win-win plan for people, business and the environment.

For our region, there would be opportunities for non-fossil-fuel energy innovation, generation and jobs. Why not have our area be the hub of research on batteries to store solar, wind and hydro energy long term? Why not increase individual, county and regional revenues through more solar and wind generation? These opportunities and more mean good-paying jobs for our region. The act’s monetary dividend to individuals means increased incomes for most people, especially low income households.

The act would keep agriculture healthy with fuel exemptions and begin decreasing wildfires and their human and economic costs. For more information, see energyinnovationact.org and call on your representatives to act.

Judy Meuth

Pullman