To the Editor:
The Green New Deal. The media seem to be reporting on this wish list of environmental proposals on a daily basis. I am in agreement with the goals of the Green New Deal. If its philosophy and vision were to be implemented, we would have a much more climate-friendly economy that no longer would be dependent on fossil fuels for our sources of energy. I have concerns, however, that the Green New Deal at this time is a nonbinding resolution signed only by Democrats. Bipartisan effort is the more effective way to move forward on taking action on climate change.
The world can’t wait another 10 years for the deal to be enacted, if it ever is to be national policy. Climate scientists tell us we have to reduce carbon emissions, the major cause of life-threatening climate change, as fast as we can. As climate scientist Dr. Michael Mann has said, “It’s late in the game, but not too late to take action on climate change.”
While the debate on the goals of the Green New Deal continues in the media, there is a “bird in the hand” available right now in the House of Representatives. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019 (House Resolution 763) is the first bipartisan climate bill in a decade. This bill would put a steadily rising price on carbon dioxide, protect the poor and middle class with a monthly dividend, incentivize clean energy technology and reduce carbon emissions 90 percent by 2050. As a result of reducing carbon emissions, we would experience improved air and water quality, improving health and saving lives.
As of this writing, neither U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood or Sean Casten has signed the Green New Deal resolution. That’s fine with me. I prefer that the representatives serving McHenry County sign on as sponsors of HR 763.
Bipartisan legislation is what usually becomes policy that lasts. The sponsors of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019 recognize that climate change is too important for partisan politics any longer. I urge Casten and Underwood to study, support and sponsor the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019.
Rick Johnson
Wonder Lake