Letter to the editor: America's addiction to fossil fuels

We’vebeen reading about, and perhaps experiencing, the death and destruction being caused by the opioid crisis. But there is another, more widespread addiction crisis in this country that has the potential to affect every citizen (“Americans’ energy use surges despite climate change concern,” April 21, TribLIVE). In spite of growing evidence that global warming is having devastating effects on our economy and the public health, we keep consuming more fossil fuels with their harmful emissions. 

For the sake of future generations, this cannot continue. We must find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before it’s too late. Private industry is working hard to switch to clean renewable energy sources. And there are concerted efforts by local, county and state governments to curb emissions. But we cannot do what must be done without our federal government taking the lead.

The good news is that the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act has been introduced in the House and has 32 co-sponsors, with more joining almost daily. It will place a fee on carbon emissions at the source (mine, well, port of entry) and return the proceeds to all Americans as a monthly dividend. The dividend will more than offset the increase in price of fossil-fuel-based products for most people.

Please take the time to learn about the legislation at www.energyinnovationact.org and tell your member of the House and Senators to quickly pass the bill. Your kids and grandkids will thank you.

Bruce Cooper

Adams