Carbon fee is one thing we can do

When I saw the title of Michael Gerson's piece, "Hunting for a miracle on global warming," I had a hunch I wouldn't like what I read. And I didn't - on several levels.

I agree that the challenge before us is daunting, and we do not yet have the political will to respond. But it's not at all useful to conclude that the options before us are a "series of uninformed bets."

There is no miracle that will save us from the threat of global warming. Waiting for technology to save us only delays the actions that we need to take - from shutting off the lights to demanding that our leaders respond to the threat of climate change.

These and countless other actions are all part of the solution.

One of the most important actions we can take is to let our legislators know that we support putting a price on carbon-based fuels. Fossil fuel companies have long been able to avoid addressing the negative impacts of their product, and have benefitted from this omission.

A fee would incorporate all costs into the price of fossil fuels and send a clear market signal on the true costs of their use.

A study conducted by Regional Economic Models, Inc., an economic forecasting firm with a diverse client base, shows that putting a steadily increasing price on carbon at the point of extraction and returning the collected fees to American households in the form of a monthly dividend will grow the economy, add jobs, save lives, and make our air and water cleaner.

Tell your members of Congress to support legislation that puts a price on carbon. It will protect our homes, our communities and our children, grandchildren and future generations.

Deni Mathews

Bartlett