Lowering carbon, promoting growth

Alwyn Moss worries we cannot fight climate change while promoting growth and jobs (“Climate change: our challenge,” Aug. 6 commentary). Moss seems unaware of the best system to lower greenhouse gas emissions: a revenue-neutral carbon tax.

The tax is charged to producers of coal, oil and gas for their products’ emissions. Its main purpose is to indicate to private investors and energy companies that they could earn better profits investing in renewable energies than in fossil fuels. They would develop new technologies to produce renewable energy and improve efficiencies.

Examples abound. Last week, investors reported success developing meat with much lower greenhouse gas emissions than raising animals for slaughter. In July, Massachusetts utilities announced they will test new batteries that reduce the storage costs of electricity.

These and more new technologies will enable us to grow our economy, create jobs and clean up our act. Moss shouldn’t underestimate American ingenuity. She should urge Rep. Bob Goodlatte to sponsor a revenue-neutral carbon tax to spur innovation and growth, with the revenue rebated to households, shielding individuals from rising prices.

With this system, Goodlatte could save us from rising prices that Environmental Protection Agency regulations will inevitably cause. However, regulations won’t provide us with rebates.

JUDY WEISS
Member of Citizens Climate Lobby
BROOKLINE, MASS.

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