U. S. can assume leadership role with climate legislation

On Sept. 18, the Trump administration formally revoked California's authority to set tailpipe pollution rules that are stricter than federal standards. This comes less than one week before the United Nations holds the 2019 Climate Action Summit, which hopes to address the climate emergency with concrete plans of action.

In order to participate, governments had to commit to further action and an additional cutback in the use of fossil fuels. President Donald Trump does not plan to attend. This is unfortunate, since there have already been a number of pieces of legislation introduced to combat the crisis.

One of the most forceful is HR 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. This bill is a bipartisan approach that will dramatically reduce use of fossil fuels without impacting our economy. It calls for a steadily rising price on carbon fuels, sending a strong price signal to reduce carbon consumption and foster research into innovative alternatives.

The revenues are distributed to all households as a monthly dividend, compensating for most families' increased energy costs. The bill also supports American business by applying a border adjustment to energy-intensive goods from countries without a similar carbon pricing policy.

Rather than refusing to participate, we need to take a leadership role in the fight against climate change. Passing HR 763 would demonstrate our strength in this fight.

Gary Miller

Wheaton