Energy Innovation Act will put money in our pockets

TO THE EDITOR:

Imagine getting to zero emissions by 2050 without big government spending and no new regulations. Not a fantasy — over 3,500 U.S. economists endorsed such a plan, according to the Wall Street Journal. On April 1, Congressman Ted Deutch of Florida introduced HR 2307, the Energy Innovation & Carbon Dividend Act (EICDA), following the recommendations of those economists.

How would the EICDA work? A “carbon fee” is charged on all carbon-emitting fuels when they are extracted from the ground. All collected fees are then handed back to every household as a “carbon cash-back” payment. The program pays for itself, and the carbon-fee revenue goes into people’s pockets with no restrictions. With this policy in place, 85% of Americans come out ahead or essentially break even.

And this policy is better for businesses.

The government simply sets a predictable direction for businesses: away from carbon emissions. Then it’s up to businesses how to move in that direction. Economists predict EICDA will drive technological innovation, and businesses will provide abundant, affordable, reliable clean energy.

It’s not every day that Congress considers a policy that will reduce emissions, benefit business and put money in people’s pockets. Every member of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation should take a serious look at this bill. If you agree, call their D.C. or New Hampshire offices — that’s the only way they’ll know. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act is a good step forward to put America on the fast track to a healthy, prosperous future.

Ian Hancock
Volunteer
Great Bay Chapter of Citizens’ Climate
Lobby

Mark Reynolds
Executive Director
Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Civics institute is key to improving political discourse

TO THE EDITOR:

Long after the American Revolution, the ratification of the Constitution and his two terms as president, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “If a nation expects to be ignorant & free, in a state of civilisation, it expects what was never was & never will be.” Jefferson’s generation, having fought so hard for liberty, understood that the way to keep it was not merely to vest power in the hands of “We the People” but to also ensure that the people were educated enough to wield that power.

I am currently serving on the board of an organization that also understands the importance of an informed citizenry. It is called the New Hampshire Institute for Civics Education. It was founded in 2015, and its mission is to support and advocate for civics education.

I first became aware of this organization as a teacher seeking professional development opportunities. The programs I attended were always excellent, and it gave me opportunities to see prominent speakers, such as Justice David Souter, or be part of an interesting exploration of societal and legal issues raised in the book/movie “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Today, the institute is supporting an amazing variety of programs, including; Civics 603, which supports sixth to 12thgrade civics curriculum with emphasis on the Constitution, Bill of Rights and civil discourse; New Hampshire Kid Governor, which has fifth-graders campaign for the coveted job of “Kid Governor”; and the Mikva Challenge, which helps middleschool students develop leadership and oratory skills while exploring topics in civics.

This is only a small sample, and the full slate of programs can be accessed at nhcivics.org. (There is a donate tab that we’d love you to consider using there as well.)

When Alexis de Tocqueville toured the United States in the 1830s, he described an America that was experiencing a great “tumult” or excitement about engaging in political discourse. Almost 200 years later, at least some of that passion seems to have been replaced by apathy, misunderstanding and anger. I believe the way to a better conversation and to protecting our liberty is through civics education. Whether you are a teacher, a student or a citizen of this great state, please consider supporting and engaging with the programs of the New Hampshire Institute for Civics Education.

Dan Marcus
John Stark High School
Trustee
NH Institute for Civics Education

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