Legislators need to work together to stop climate from further unraveling

<p>While working at IUPUI in 1996, I took a walk at lunchtime and was offered a slender twig in celebration of Earth Day. The observance was not on my personal calendar at the time but, having accepted the tree, planting it seemed to be the right thing to do.</p><p>In those days, I was a busy single mother and activism was beyond my reach. But the tree, a black walnut, grew straight and tall in my backyard, providing food for squirrels and for thought…</p><p>Natural systems, forceful and resilient though they may seem, are also fragile and in need of careful attention. Mankind has the power to sustain or disrupt the delicate web.</p><p>Earth Day is celebrated around the world on April 22. The first one in 1970 was the inspiration of US Senator Gaylord Nelson, who had observed the power of activism in response to the Vietnam War and was alarmed by the magnitude of the oil spill that fouled the beaches of Santa Barbara. Earth Day is now observed by a billion people in 192 countries.</p><p>As a retiree, I joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby to advocate for sustaining a habitable climate by reducing carbon emissions. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (EICDA) is our approach.</p><p>Thousands of economists across the political spectrum have said the most effective step we can take to bring down the emissions causing climate change is to put a robust price on carbon. By returning the revenues to households, our economy will benefit. The EICDA does this and more:</p><p>● Effective: It will reduce U.S. emissions at least 40 percent in the first 12 years and targets 90 percent reductions by 2050.</p><p>● Good for people: It will improve health and save lives by reducing pollution that Americans breathe. Additionally, the carbon dividend puts money directly into people’s pockets every month.</p><p>● Good for the economy: It will create 2.1 million new jobs, thanks to economic growth in local communities.</p><p>● Bipartisan: Republicans and Democrats are cosponsors. Any bill that hopes to gain passage in Congress must have bipartisan support.</p><p>● Revenue neutral: All the fees collected on carbon will be equally allocated; with negligible administrative cost, the size of government doesn’t grow.</p><p>Currently the EICDA, H.R. 763, has 30 cosponsors in the US House and still growing. It’s garnered support from numerous university presidents and faith leaders. Prominent people from many other walks of life have added their endorsements.</p><p>Democrats and Republicans must now come together to enact effective policies to prevent our climate from unraveling beyond the point of no return. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act offers the opportunity for much needed bipartisan collaboration.</p><p>In 1970, Americans were spurred to action by a new awareness of our vulnerable environment and our obligation to protect it. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.</p><p>We stand at a new and potentially even more critical crossroads. There is no longer any doubt about the imminent threat of climate change. Scientists agree that we have a window of opportunity to act before irreversible, accelerating damage sets in. “The Greatest Generation” had their day during World War II when they fought and won the war to preserve our democracy. In their passing, they have handed the torch on to us. We must transcend partisan differences with determination and courage of conviction to preserve the climate, our key to a safe and sustainable future.</p>