Connie Young - 2-26-2015 Don't be left in the dust.

Don’t be left in the dust

February 26, 2015 

I commend The Bee for its in-depth editorial about our perilous water situation Feb. 22. Yet to paraphrase Henry David Thoreau, it merely hacks away at the branches of the problem rather than strike at its root cause.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2014 was California’s hottest year on record. Until we address rising temperatures, which increase the risk and intensity of drought, we’ll continue to suffer the consequences of our misguided efforts.

To lower temperatures, we must reduce heat-trapping carbon emissions. The most effective and elegantly simple way to do this is with a national carbon fee and dividend with all revenue returned to U.S. households (like the oil dividends Alaska sends to its residents).

Our Congressmen Jim Costa, D-Fresno; Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, and David Valadao, R-Hanford, could support this conservative, market-based solution because, according to a Regional Economic Modeling Inc. study, it will boost the economy, create jobs, save lives and reduce carbon pollution. Businesses will like it because consumers will have more money to spend. Most important, San Joaquin Valley residents will be relieved that it will help clean our air, stabilize temperatures and protect our water supply.

Let’s confront the real problem now and not be left in the dust!

Connie Young
Citizens’ Climate Lobby Fresno

http://www.fresnobee.com/2015/02/26/4399000_dont-be-left-in-the-dust.html?rh=1
 

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