While we are all concerned about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I want to call your attention to an article in the New York Times, “Climate Fears on Back Burner as Fuel Costs Soar and Russian Crisis Deepens.” It states that Europe’s dependence on Russian oil makes the world vulnerable to international conflicts involving oil producing nations. If we moved to sustainable energy independence with local sources of renewable energy, Russia would NOT have the leverage it has over Europe. Despite high inflation now, it makes sense to put a price on carbon.

Putting a price on carbon also has been called “Carbon Cashback” (https://sites.google.com/view/carbon-cashback-coalition/carbon-cash-back?authuser=0 ). The producers of the carbon (oil and coal companies) would pay a fee. The monies from this fee would then be distributed to US households to offset any increases in energy costs. New Hampshire likes the idea of carbon cashback – 37 towns have passed resolutions calling on congress to take action on putting a fee on carbon.

You can take two actions to support carbon cashback. First, call, write or tweet your state representatives who represent you in Concord. They will soon be voting on a resolution (HR 17 https://www.citizenscount.org/bills/hr-17-2022) to OPPOSE CARBON PRICING – despite the fact that 37 towns have ASKED FOR IT https://sites.google.com/view/carbon-cashback-coalition/home?authuser=0. Tell your state representatives that you support carbon pricing and that you want them to oppose HR 17.

Second, write, call or tweet your Congressperson and tell them you support the Energy Innovation, Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 2307).