Thursday, March 18, 2021 | 2 a.m.
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As the Biden administration and Congress begin to look beyond our immediate crisis, last week brought hopeful signs on policies to address our biggest crisis, that of climate change.
The strong bipartisan confirmation of Michael Regan to head the Environmental Protection Agency shows that many Republicans can support a candidate who has pledged aggressive action on climate change, and who has put environmental justice at the center of his life’s work. And Noah Kaufman’s appointment to the Council of Economic Advisers puts a carbon pricing proponent at the center of crafting policy.
Kaufman’s research at Columbia University demonstrated that a carbon fee and dividend can put the United States on a path to net zero emissions by 2050. Last week, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., introduced carbon pricing legislation; more similar bills are expected.
Carbon fee and dividend powerfully and rapidly reduces emissions and protects lower-income Americans. It has widespread business and industry support and strong public support. Congress and the administration should take courage and pass a strong climate bill that includes a carbon fee and dividend.
