Former state Rep. Steve Andersson advances market-based climate strategy

Former state Rep. Steve Andersson laid out the case for a liberal Republican approach to combating the global climate crisis in two addresses sponsored by First Congregational Church of Elgin on Sunday, Nov. 17.

The church invited Andersson to speak in order to broaden the range of public discussion on the global climate crisis which often times gets locked into a debate over whether or not we are facing global climate change even when the scientific community is close to consensus that we are fully engaged.

Andersson hailed the invitation to speak, noting that only when we face the facts and seek solutions can we build strategies that will begin to work.

He argued for:

• An approach that combines environmental regulation with economic incentives that harness the market economy as a source for transformation to a greener, less carbon-fuel based economy. An example of such legislation is Illinois' Future Energy Jobs Act, which he co-sponsored, and sets a requirement of 25% of Illinois's electrical energy to come from renewable sources like solar, wind and nuclear energy.

• Including in our work against environmental destruction a concern about the disruption of the economy. "In essence", Andersson argued, "It's a matter about spending our money in a way that we get the most bang for our buck."

• A global approach to combatting climate change. The United States uses more carbon fuel per person than anyone else, but in terms of the sheer amount of carbon fuels used, China produces 30% of the carbon pollution while the United States and Europe combined produce 25%. Instead of tariff wars, Andersson argued that put surcharges on goods from polluting industries (Brazilian beef, certain Chinese and Indian products) to add incentives for those countries to reduce their use of carbon fuels.

Andersson closed with two sources of hope.

The proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act would move Illinois to get 100% of its electrical energy from renewable sources by 2050, and the marked change in public opinion in favor of intentional change to combat global warming.

A survey of Republicans under the age of 35 found that 67% were heavily concerned about global climate change, believed that this was man-made and required action to correct.

First Congregational Church in Elgin will follow Andersson's address with a future address by a Democratic lawmaker.

Andersson is currently a commissioner for the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

The church is at 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin.

For details, visit fcc-elgin.org or www.facebook.com/fccelgin.