In This Issue:
#1: National Journal: Clean Power Plan OK with Carbon Taxes
#2: US Climate Plan: State Carbon Pricing Groups Meet, Share, Strategize
#3: The Economist: Thinking Beyond a Global Carbon Price
#4: Oregon Climate: Portland City Council Urges State to Enact Carbon Pricing
#5: Citizens Climate Lobby: Republicans in Congress, Not What You’d Think
#6: Center for Climate Protection: Talking Cap and Dividend with Peter Barnes
#7: HR 1027 Co-sponsor List Keeps Growing
#1: National Journal: Clean Power Plan OK with Carbon Taxes:
“In a change from the draft plan, the final EPA rule now explicitly says states can use ‘fees’ (i.e., taxes) as a tool for meeting their emissions-cutting requirements. That’s on page 899 of the massive 1,560-page rule. Plans that states craft to comply with the mandate, the rule states, ‘could accommodate imposition by a state of a fee for CO2 emissions from affected [electric generating units], an approach suggested by a number of commenters.’”
#2: US Climate Plan: State Carbon Pricing Groups Meet, Share, Strategize
“Two weeks ago, we brought leaders of state carbon pricing campaigns in Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Washington, New York, and Oregon together to share their campaigns and strategize on how we can build pressure for national action. They cited the economic benefits of a carbon tax, the included tax reform, the health benefits, and the allure of being painted as leaders as opportunities to bring state legislators on board. Still, despite the fact that 66% of Americans say they would be more likely to vote for politicians that support proactive climate and renewable energy policies, state legislatures are dragging their feet. Nobody is willing to be the first to cross the Rubicon.”
#3: The Economist: Thinking Beyond a Global Carbon Price
“Looking at carbon prices through a narrow climate lens provides only part of the picture. Over and above environmental concerns, carbon and energy taxes make economic and fiscal sense, making them relevant for both developing and developed countries. By taxing the “bads” (carbon), countries can reduce taxes on the “goods” (labor and capital). Carbon taxes are also easier to administer as carbon sources are concentrated.”
#4: Oregon Climate: Portland City Council Urges State to Enact Carbon Pricing
“The Portland City Council adopted their 2015 Climate Action Plan (CAP) on June 24, which includes support fora statewide carbon tax or cap. The plan states that if the state does not adopt a carbon price, the City ‘will consider local adoption of a carbon pricing mechanism.’ The Oregon State Legislature has considered multiple carbon pricing bills in the 2015 legislative session. SB 965, a carbon cap and dividend bill, would cap greenhouse gas pollution at scientifically determined levels, and return all generated revenue back to Oregon taxpayers and taxpayer dependents. HB 3470 would also cap pollution, and delegate authority to the Department of Environmental Quality to ensure goals are met. Together, the bills have earned the support of 15 legislative sponsors.”
#5: Citizens Climate Lobby: Republicans in Congress, Not What You’d Think
“Our organization, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, recently sent 800 volunteers to meet with more than 500 House and Senate offices in Washington. This was our opening in those meetings: ‘We’re here to talk about a policy that can grow the economy, add jobs, increase our competitiveness with China, and make our air and water cleaner.’ So, what happened when our volunteers engaged Republicans in this conversation? In most instances, there was keen interest, active listening, productive discussions and – in some cases – expressions of support for our proposal. In very few instances, however, was there pushback from the staff or member of Congress about the science of climate change. In meeting after meeting with Republican offices, the unspoken agreement seemed to be: ‘Let’s not argue about the science; let’s talk about solutions and where we might find common ground.’”
#6: Center for Climate Protection: Talking Cap and Dividend with Peter Barnes
“Peter believes that in order to build a movement – as is necessary to see dramatic success in climate protection – we need to create economic benefits for people. This is one of the underlying principles of carbon pricing: by putting a price on something we don’t want, we disincentive its use. But Peter goes further in his advocacy for dividends. If we implement a carbon pricing system in which every person is paid directly, the benefits become more visible and the negative aspects (e.g. higher energy prices) harder to find. By benefitting the average person, we can build a coalition with a broader support, beyond the usual suspects of environmentalists, Democrats.”
#7: HR 1027 Co-sponsor List Keeps Growing
As of mid-August, the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2015, HR 1027, has 27 House co-sponsors:
Rep. Donald Beyer (VA-8)
Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17)
Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47)
Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11)
Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Earl (OR-3)
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large)
Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-3)
Rep. Peter Welch (VT-At Large)
Rep. Charles Rangel (NY-13)
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19)
Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28)
Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-32)
Rep. Michael Honda (CA-17)
Rep. John Conyers (MI-13)
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13)
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11)
Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-9)
Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33)
Rep. Janice Hahn (CA-44)
Rep. James McGovern (MA-2)
Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL-9)
Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-5)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL-20)
Rep. Sam Farr (CA-20)
Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09)
Rep. Nydia Velasquez (NY-07)
Rep. Richard Nolan (Mn-08)