Thank you to the Northwest Arkansas Times for the article “Climate Change Considered,” informing the public about the upcoming City Council resolution in support of a carbon fee and dividend (not “cap and dividend” as the article mistakenly called it). The resolution, called “A Resolution supporting a national revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend to curb climate change,” doesnot specifically mention the Boxer-Sanders bill. There are several provisions, among which is that 100 percent of the revenue collected is returned to citizens to mitigate the economic impact.
Government keeps none of the funds. Under this plan, two-thirds of the citizens would actually come out ahead or break even. The last provision, perhaps most important to conservatives, is that the tax lets the markets and localities pickthe winning technologies.
We all would win if carbon emissions are lowered.
With the Citizen’s Climate Lobby, I just visited Reps. Steve Womack, Tim Grift n, Tom Cotton’s staff er, and Sen. John Boozman as well as Sen. Pryor’s staff er Steve Lehrman. Only Mr. Lehrman supports a carbon tax so far, but they all are concerned about a livable environment, and all supported Gov.
Mike Beebe’s request formajor disaster declaration for Arkansas after recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding surpassed the state’s ability to respond.
We are all already paying the costs of climate change. A carbon fee would be like a spring filling up a fund, from which we all can drink. Our congressmen need to hear our concerns.
Passing this resolution would be a clear signal.
SHELLEY BUONAIUTO
Fayetteville
Opinion, Pages 7 on 07/14/2013