Dirty energy's business model fading

Re: "$2 billion loss for generators as a million roofs get solar."

"Woe is me" cry the operators of conventional power plants. Clean, renewable solar power is cutting into their bottom lines. As someone who is concerned about the impact of dirty and outdated fossil fuels on our lives, I can't help but revel in their predicament.

One energy company spokesman worried about "suppress[ing] prices below economically sustainable levels." This seems to suggest that there should be artificially set minimum prices. He's asking for regulation!

The fact that conventional power generators can't make a profit is the free market's assessment of their ability to formulate and execute a profitable business plan.

What truly amazes me is that this article never once mentions the positive impact of increasing renewable energy sources on climate change. A recent Gallup poll finds that 65 percent of Americans say human activities are responsible for climate change, and 64 percent are worried about it.

Clearly, the growth of the solar industry is beginning to change our energy configuration, but we can expedite this progress by putting a price on carbon, thereby shifting the burden of fossil fuel pollution back on those responsible for it.

A study conducted by the economic forecasting firm Regional Economic Models, Inc. shows that putting a steadily increasing price on carbon at the point of extraction and returning the collected revenues 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.

A carbon fee and dividend is the first, best step to protect our homes, communities and way of life for our children and grandchildren.

Deni Mathews

Bartlett