Letter to the Editor: Climate peril highlights need for corporate polluter fee

From destructive hurricanes to uncontrollable wildfires to toxic algae blooms, climate change is affecting every corner of our nation. Here in Delaware, the country’s lowest-lying state, the stakes are uniquely high. Rising sea levels decimate natural habitats and pollute our freshwater sources; meanwhile, farmland in Sussex County is rendered barren by frequent influxes of saltwater. In fact, earlier this summer, we witnessed the destruction of our beaches from a storm likely worsened by the changing climate.

Particularly concerning is the nature of the problem; the climate is going to get worse before it gets better.

A safe pathway forward, as experts have long concluded, includes charging fossil fuel companies for their pollution. After all, carbon dioxide emissions are at the root of the problem — their presence in the atmosphere is what actually causes climate change.

By imposing a fee on fossil fuel companies based on the emissions their products create, a polluter fee would cause global emissions to decline sharply. The idea relies on a basic economic principle: If an outcome has a cost, businesses are incentivized to avoid that outcome. It would accelerate innovation across the economy and promote the widespread adoption of clean energy and sustainable practices. From this policy alone, the U.S. could exceed its emissions-reductions commitment to the Paris agreement.

So a corporate polluter fee would reduce emissions — but what do we do with the revenue it raises?

A leading proposal, “carbon dividends,” would protect vulnerable families and communities by putting the fossil fuel revenue back into the pockets of hard-working Delawareans. This approach would effectively safeguard the most vulnerable populations in our community.

Here in Delaware, some say the average household in the lower eight income deciles would receive more from the dividend than it would pay in increased energy costs. Implemented with a dividend, a carbon price would reduce emissions, promote equity and strengthen the economy.

Our local leaders have positioned Delaware to succeed under such a policy.

The initiative led by Gov. John Carney and Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown, to strengthen Delaware’s renewable portfolio standard and accelerate our transition away from harmful fossil fuels is an important step in the right direction. It encourages Delaware to lead the nation in the development of energy-saving innovations — sustainable technologies which can be produced here and exported to the rest of the world. Alongside them, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long’s front-and-center advocacy for vehicle electrification is another key component of lowering our emission levels and preparing us to thrive in a green economy.

At the national level, too, our elected officials are advancing pragmatic climate measures. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., has proposed a Civilian Climate Corps — for the protection and resilience of our front-line communities. Meanwhile, Sen. Tom Carper and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, both D-Del., are forging bipartisan legislation to restore our nation’s riverbanks and coastlines, and protect our communities from the worst effects of climate change.

Delaware is clearly positioned to lead on this issue. At every level, our leaders are thinking about climate change and advancing practical solutions. Now, we need the full Congress to do its part. Alongside a tapestry of investment and adaptation measures, our response to climate change must include a major, economywide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. A national carbon price is a simple and effective tool to deliver just that.

Nitya Patel

Delaware Youth Environmental Summit organizer

Odyssey Charter School senior