Last time, we left the Reddys and the Bluefellas of Merrica bickering about the ogre they called “Clymdra.” * This pesky fiend was accused of making mischief by creating floods, starting fires in the woods, and enticing warm-weather-loving weeds and insects to invade the village.
Wanda and Will, problem-solvers from opposing families, hated all the squabbling. So, along with the village sage, Ima Wizewomann, they hatched a plan to end the quarrel and deal with Clymdra once and for all. The savvy trio knew that any successful plan had to:
When the council learned of the plan they quickly put it into action. The first change most villagers noticed was that they had a few extra coins in their purses. The economy grew as many found work in “anti-Clymdra” industries. The formidable ogre continued to do her nasty deeds for a number of years. But over time Clymdra’s strength faded, and the Merricans lived happily…until the Reddys and Bluefellas found something else to argue about.
Meanwhile, back in the Real World – we in the U.S.A. have the opportunity to enjoy similar success concerning the real-world challenge of climate disruption. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, recently introduced in the House of Representatives with a companion bill in the Senate, gives us the chance to enjoy those same benefits.
Co-sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats, these bills don’t rely on government regulation. Instead, by using incentives to lower the use of greenhouse gas-emitting fuels, a market-driven clean energy transformation is nurtured. There’s no tax increase. Dividend payments go to every household each month. Economic activity is stimulated while thousands of clean energy jobs are created. Noxious emissions decline, and the effects of climate disruption are gradually reduced.
We CAN create our own “happily ever after.” The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act can lead us down that yellow brick road. Let’s follow it because after all, this small, pale blue planet is the only home we’ll ever know. It’s where we’re forever… Earthbound.
*Clymdra – mythical name for Climate Disruption
Wanda and Will, problem-solvers from opposing families, hated all the squabbling. So, along with the village sage, Ima Wizewomann, they hatched a plan to end the quarrel and deal with Clymdra once and for all. The savvy trio knew that any successful plan had to:
- Be sponsored by both Reddy and Bluefella leaders
- Not raise village taxes
- Require minimal management and oversight by the village council
- Lessen Clymdra’s ability to create mischief, and finally
- Wouldn’t it be nice if it also stimulated economic growth in the village!
When the council learned of the plan they quickly put it into action. The first change most villagers noticed was that they had a few extra coins in their purses. The economy grew as many found work in “anti-Clymdra” industries. The formidable ogre continued to do her nasty deeds for a number of years. But over time Clymdra’s strength faded, and the Merricans lived happily…until the Reddys and Bluefellas found something else to argue about.
Meanwhile, back in the Real World – we in the U.S.A. have the opportunity to enjoy similar success concerning the real-world challenge of climate disruption. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, recently introduced in the House of Representatives with a companion bill in the Senate, gives us the chance to enjoy those same benefits.
Co-sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats, these bills don’t rely on government regulation. Instead, by using incentives to lower the use of greenhouse gas-emitting fuels, a market-driven clean energy transformation is nurtured. There’s no tax increase. Dividend payments go to every household each month. Economic activity is stimulated while thousands of clean energy jobs are created. Noxious emissions decline, and the effects of climate disruption are gradually reduced.
We CAN create our own “happily ever after.” The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act can lead us down that yellow brick road. Let’s follow it because after all, this small, pale blue planet is the only home we’ll ever know. It’s where we’re forever… Earthbound.
*Clymdra – mythical name for Climate Disruption
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