Climate solution bill introduced in Congress

It has been 10 years since a serious bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress to address climate change, but on Nov. 27, it happened. HR7173, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act was introduced by two Republicans, Francis Rooney of Florida, and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, and three Democrats Ted Deutch of Florida, John Delaney of Maryland and Charlie Crist of Florida. The original co-sponsors were quickly joined by another Republican, Dave Trott of Michigan.

This is a really good bill.

It is effective. It drives down America's carbon pollution by at least 40 percent in the first 12 years. That's significantly better than both the Paris agreement and the Clean Power Plan. This simple and comprehensive plan has the support of both scientists and economists.

It's good for people. Americans will breathe less pollution, which will save lives and improve health. People will receive a monthly carbon dividend to spend as they like, helping low- and middle-income Americans.

It's good for the economy. This policy will create 2.1 million additional jobs in the clean energy economy, while maintaining GDP. This market-based solution doesn't grow government but does make the fossil fuel industry accountable for the pollution their product causes.

And it is bipartisan. Solving climate change is too urgent to get caught up in partisan politics. Many thanks to the three Republican and three Democratic co-sponsors. It took hard work, persistence, and courage to work across the aisle to craft this excellent bill. We are so grateful.

Now it is our turn. Experts at Yale estimate that 60 million people in the U.S. are very concerned about climate change. Let's support this bill. Contact legislators and join Citizens' Climate Lobby. Our children are counting on us.

Mark Ailes

Lombard