PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 2, 2020
A national carbon pricing bill – the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (HR 763) – is currently in the U.S. House and has bipartisan support from over 70 co-sponsors, including Rep. Chellie Pingree. While regional initiatives are indeed laudable, we need national policy to prevent neighboring states from polluting our air. Furthermore, HR 763 mandates the carbon proceeds to be returned to each taxpayer as a monthly dividend check which creates a positive feedback loop where we are all incentivized to invest in a cleaner future. A national carbon fee and dividend – or “carbon cash-back” program – is projected to have the U.S. exceed our Paris protocol goals within eight years, create 2.1 million U.S. jobs and predominantly benefit low- and middle-income Americans. ~ Peter Dugas, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Portland