Two weeks ago, climate activists got good news that the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2021 (HR 2307), supported by the environmental organization Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL), has been re-introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Ted Deutch along with 28 original co-sponsors.

The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act would place a fee on fossil fuels starting at $15 per ton of CO2 produced from burning the fuel. The fee would increase by $10 each year. The revenue collected from the fee would be returned to the American people in equal amounts to all citizens. This is a market-based approach that would incentivize companies and other intensive users of fossil fuels to invest in clean and renewable energy sources. The fact that the fee will be returned to all citizens equally as a dividend would prevent low and moderate income people from bearing the burden of the transition towards clean, renewable energy. This is because they would get more dividend back than their increase in fuel costs. Close to 100% of the fees will be returned to citizens (minus a small administrative fee) and the government will not keep any of this money. Imported fuel and carbon products would pay a tax at the border while exports would receive a refund to keep local products competitive.

To learn more go to CCL’s website for an introduction to the Energy Innovation Act.

Click here to write to Congress to express your support of the Energy Innovation Act.

Remember that The Central Florida Climate Artist Group has a call for artists for an environmental and climate change themed art show at the Orlando Science Center this summer. For more information see here.

“Where will the Children Play?” by Michelle Irizarry (oil on canvas, 30”x40”)