Mailbag: Vote to defeat climate change

I need to commend Rep. Adam Schiff for recognizing the need for factual information in our democracy. In addressing the current administration’s lack thereof, he said, “It has the gravest consequences.” Whether the truth be hidden by distractions, brushing under the rug, outright lies, or “alternative facts” does not matter. Citizens in a democracy need truthful representatives.

Schiff’s remark was said in the context of foreign relations but the same applies in the context of climate change. Despite scientific consensus about cause and a global movement toward clean energy, President Trump has painted climate change as a non-issue. Even if we weren’t to take his “hoax” remark at face value, the cabinet nominees are telling. In this environment we cannot be passive — we need to keep climate change solutions a priority.

This is not a partisan issue. Even Rex Tillerson has voiced support of a carbon tax to address climate change. While Trump is removing climate references from the White House website, there is a bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus (consisting of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats in Congress) dedicated to exploring options such as the carbon fee and dividend (CF&D) approach.

CF&D is a national, revenue-neutral system which places a predictable, steadily rising fee on carbon suppliers. CF&D returns all fees collected minus administrative costs to households as an energy dividend — so not a tax.

This market-based solution will save lives, create jobs and boost our economy while reducing the risks associated with climate change. California’s legislature has already voted to support this at a national level.

Please make your voice heard as “the gravest consequences” are at stake.

Doug Bell
Burbank

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Growth drives increased traffic

Every time I get in my car and drive around Burbank, I can’t believe the amount of traffic. We will soon be just like West Los Angeles or Glendale, in perpetual gridlock. What will our city be like in the near future? The new IKEA (one of the largest stores worldwide) and the Talaria project (241 units plus Whole Foods Market) have already been approved.

Also, the following projects are pending approval: Premier on First, 154 units and a hotel; First Street Village, 261 units plus retail and restaurants; 777 Front Street, a huge multiuse property; 555 Third Street, a hotel with 198 rooms; multiuse projects in the area including and surrounding the old IKEA building and the Avion development at the airport. Also, don’t forget the high-speed rail coming to Burbank with all of its added traffic. These developments will equate to thousands of additional cars. If you are as concerned as I am, please email a note to the Burbank City Council and voice your opinion. Other cities have opted for responsible growth — let’s join them.

Glenn Nicol
Burbank