Letters: October 31, 2019

Climate change

Some of us might find it remarkable, given partisan divisions, but it appears Republicans and Democrats are coming together on a surprising issue: Climate change.

Lawmakers are responding to public opinion. Last month, a CBS News poll found that two-thirds of Americans view climate change as a crisis or serious problem; a majority want immediate action. A survey by Ipsos and Newsy this fall found that 77 percent of younger GOP voters call climate change a serious threat.

It’s encouraging that Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers recently wrote constituents that the “Climate is changing, and global industrial activity is a contributing factor. We must play a role in reducing carbon emissions.”

Carbon pricing can effectively reduce emissions quickly and protect the economy. It is supported by thousands of US economists. Newsweek reported that 95 percent of 300 multinational corporations favor mandatory carbon pricing. Luntz Global found that carbon pricing that includes a revenue return, or a “carbon dividend” to Americans, has four-to-one support among all voters. Among GOP voters under 40, that support rises to 75 percent.

The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 763) would initiate a fee of $15 per ton of carbon, rising by $10 each year. All revenue would be paid out equally to every household. Resources for the Future estimates this policy would reduce carbon emissions 47 percent by 2030. The bill targets 90 percent reductions by 2050.

The Pullman city council has issued a resolution in support of such a carbon pricing proposal. Many community leaders have signed a letter asking our members of Congress to act on climate change. That support sends a signal that backing H.R. 763 can be a politically astute move.

Judy Meuth,

Pullman

Against federal law

I have tried several times to contact the Whitman County Commissioners and have been unable to reach them. I hope they will read this. There are still more of us who want to put a stop to the spread of drugs here.

I know there are a large number of citizens who oppose the growing and processing of marijuana in their neighborhood and country. I now include myself among them. I believe it is still against federal law for anyone to do so even though the state of Washington is allowing it thanks to our west side crowd who are now California cronies.

From what I read in the Gazette our commissioners are now giving in to the pot growers in spite of those who don't want them in our country. Why isn't it possible for them to stop all permits for growing and processing pot on the grounds that it is illegal to do so by federal law? I would think this would at least delay them until they can convince the federal government to allow this in spite of what many of us citizens believe.

These are my thoughts on this and the spread of drugs to the young in our country.

Ray Schug,

St. John