Littleton Democrats call for a price on carbon

At their September quarterly meeting, The Littleton Town Democratic Committee endorsed a ground-breaking proposal by State Senator Mike Barrett, D-Lexington to tackle climate change. Barrett addressed the meeting on his submitted legislation, “An Act Combating Climate Change” that places a charge on dirty fuel emissions that contribute to global warming and then returns the money -- in direct rebates -- to residents, businesses, and non-profits.

“Right before our eyes, in our own time, we’re seeing extreme temperatures, rising oceans, wilder storms, and worsening droughts,” Barrett said.  “A statewide carbon fee is the most ambitious step state government can take to combat the problem.” 

Barrett’s proposal draws on the success of British Columbia, the Canadian province whose right-of-center party instituted revenue-neutral carbon pricing in 2008.  “Emissions are down, provincial GDP is up, and public opinion polls show high voter satisfaction.  That’s a win-win-win,” Barrett said.

Carbon fees mean higher prices initially to incorporate downstream environmental and health costs.  Higher prices motivate consumers to cut back when they can.  Later, fee proceeds are sent back in equal shares to individuals and businesses.  If a family conserves, it can collect more in rebates than it pays in fees.  Because all money is returned, the bill does not put an unfair burden on the poor or on small business.

In addition to lowering pollution, carbon fees in energy-importing states like Massachusetts mean less money goes to supporting jobs in fossil fuel-producing places like North Dakota, Oklahoma, and the Middle East.  But the decline in out-of-state expenditures keeps more money in Massachusetts, where it’s eventually spent, creating jobs here -- 4,000 - 10,000 of them, according to a recent analysis.  “The carbon fee-and-rebate approach is job-positive,” Barrett said.

Barrett added that the work of community groups such as the Littleton Town Democratic Committee is crucial to the bill’s success.  “Tip of the hat to community leaders,” Barrett said.  He added that a revenue-neutral approach has much to offer conservatives, too.  The proposal isn’t about growing the size of government.  It doesn’t involve direct regulation.  “This is an idea that should appeal not only to Democrats but to Republicans and Independents.”

Jane Chrisfield, Chairperson of the Committee, thanked Senator Barrett for his advocacy on solutions to climate change and noted “we also thank our State Senator, Jamie Eldridge, for being among the 43 co-sponsors of the legislation.”