Opinion: Cap-and-trade gets good marks

To the editor: Michael Hiltzik clearly outlines the mechanisms of California’s cap-and-trade program, and rightly concludes it works because it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (“Will state’s carbon pricing fail?” column, July 31)

The fact that permit sales this year were lower than expected and thus impacted the state’s budget is problematic, but not indicative of failure.

In fact, the challenge of fluctuating revenues and impact on programs like the bullet train is exactly why we should stop trying to regulate ourselves out of climate change’s damage. Businesses can’t plan when regulation outcomes aren’t predictable, and politicians squabble about how to address revenue overages or shortfalls.

A more effective approach to reducing emissions is “carbon fee and dividend.”

Charge a fee for fossil fuel production at its source, and then redistribute those dollars to American families.

Predictable for producers, and even with some higher prices, families would enjoy a net gain in spendable income that would boost our economy.

Edward Dignan, Long Beach

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To the editor: California’s carbon pricing has already succeeded. It has brought global warming to our attention and many others.

Someone has to lead — and as is often the case California has taken on the leadership role.

The California Assembly showed renewed leadership in June, passing a greenhouse gas measure, which goes to the Senate for its consideration. The measure points to the place where the climate conversation needs to move: Washington.

If passed, it would urge Congress to pass a carbon tax, effectively saying: “ The United States needs powerful new policies to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction goals established in Paris.”

The best thing about the tax is it’s not a tax; it is a fee.

The government keeps none of the money.

Fossil fuels pay to dump pollution; households receive an equal share of the money raised.

The carbon dividend helps poor and middle class households adjust to rising prices.

Mark Tabbert, Newport Beach

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