Wildfires and the climate crisis

A recent article in The Spokesman-Review reported another wildfire in the Spokane area is causing evacuations and smoke (“More evacuations ordered on Colville Reservation”, Aug 7). Like everyone who has lived in the area over the last few years, I’ve become frustrated by the escalating wildfires that harm our air quality, destroy our forests, and threaten our homes and livelihoods.

Research indicates increased wildfire severity and frequency is due in large part to rising global temperatures from excess carbon dioxide and methane from use of fossil fuels. We could reduce emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases with a transition to solar and wind for power. How can we encourage more investment in clean alternatives?

One solution introduced in Congress, HR 763, is the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. This would place an increasing fee on corporations that sell fossil fuels and return that revenue in dividends to the pockets of American citizens. This market-based act has bipartisan support. It would drive down carbon pollution while promoting businesses and job creation.

We must set aside our partisan differences and address the threat the climate crisis poses to us all. It’s time for Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers to support the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.

Erin Benson

Spokane Valley