Letter to the editor: Energy innovation & Carbon Dividend Act

Thank you for your coverage of Europe’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas pollution in the steel industry. If the world is to achieve near zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century (which is what scientists say is needed to keep the earth’s climate in the range that has supported human civilization), then we need to move forward with innovation across many sectors — from power generation to manufacturing to energy efficiency.

The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act introduced in the U.S. House would spur innovation by putting a price on greenhouse gas pollution. This bill would return the money from the fee on pollution to the people in the form of a monthly dividend. This effective bill is projected to cut emissions 40% in the first 12 years.

The bill also has a border adjustment fee for energy-intensive goods like steel. A fee would be assessed on steel imports if the country sending the steel to the U.S. did not have a similar carbon price. This would protect domestic steel production while encouraging low-carbon innovation.

Let’s call on Reps. Mike Doyle and Conor Lamb and Sens. Pat Toomey and Bob Casey to support this bipartisan legislation that is good for people and the planet.

Dana Siler

Squirrel Hill