<p>As a resident of the far southside of Indianapolis who has family members in Greenwood and who is concerned about climate change, I am celebrating Greenwood Mayor Mark Meyers. He recently attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ annual meeting in Honolulu, and alongside many other mayors, he voted to support a big solution to climate change: carbon pricing. </p><p>“Be it resolved that the United States Conference of Mayors strongly urges the United States Congress to pass legislation that imposes a price on carbon emissions,” the resolution stated. A price on carbon would offer our city and our country a wide range of benefits, which the mayors’ resolution pointed out. A carbon price will “promote energy efficiency and accelerate clean energy investments.” It will “spur innovation and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.” Last but not least, it will “encourage and empower households and businesses to invest in conservation and domestic carbon-free energy sources.” </p><p>Not only would a price on carbon bring those positive changes to our community, but it would also help prevent communities across the country from future harm. Mayors are already on the front lines of dealing with climate change. When a historic drought hits or a record-breaking flood comes, people in their cities want answers and action. Right here on the south side of Indianapolis and Greenwood, we’ve seen our climate become warmer and wetter, with more heavy downpours. Indiana scientists have concluded that these climate trends will continue and intensify, affecting the health and well-being of all Hoosiers.</p><p>That’s why I am so happy to see Mayor Meyers joining mayors across the country to advance a climate solution. If the U.S. Congress puts a price on carbon pollution as the Conference of Mayors recommends, our emissions will go down, our air will be cleaner, our climate will begin to stabilize. </p><p>This vote from Mayor Myers is especially meaningful because there is a carbon pricing bill under consideration at the national level right now. In Congress, more than 50 representatives are co-sponsoring legislation called the Energy Innovation Act (H.R. 763), which would put a price on carbon pollution and give every American a monthly dividend check. A policy like this will reduce carbon emissions while protecting people financially as America transitions to a clean energy economy.</p><p>After this strong endorsement from Mayor Myers, I hope that Representatives Andre Carson and Trey Hollingsworth and Senators Mike Braun and Todd Young will take a close look at this legislation in Congress and consider supporting it.</p><p>Their support would be welcome from people on both sides of the aisle. A recent poll from Luntz Global showed that 75 percent of Republicans under 40 support putting a price on carbon. Many Democratic voters rank climate change as one of their highest priorities. Economists who have served under Republican and Democratic administrations alike agree that a carbon price is an efficient, effective approach. Even if we don’t agree on everything, people like me and my neighbors and family do agree that climate change needs to be addressed. </p><p>Thankfully, this agreement is emerging among our elected officials, too. The Energy Innovation Act has bipartisan sponsorship in Congress. For the mayors’ carbon pricing resolution, Republicans were among those mayors who sponsored it, passed it through committee, and voted for it. The non-partisan Conference of Mayors has set a wonderful example for all elected officials by working together, across party lines, on this important issue. Climate change is simply too big a problem to let partisanship get in the way.</p><p>I’m grateful to Mayor Myers for taking this important vote, and I’m hopeful his leadership will move Greenwood and our country forward.</p><p><p><strong>Tom Probasco</strong></p><p><p><strong>Indianapolis</strong></p>
