In a recent editorial, “Big climate job left for Biden: Kill Big Oil subsidies”, the Star-Ledger courageously called for an end to federal subsidies for the oil and natural gas industry. These taxpayer-funded payments continue not because of any economic need or societal benefit, but because the fossil fuel industry has excessive political influence. Ending the subsidies will be difficult.
A complementary approach to cut climate-disrupting pollution would be to impose fees on carbon-containing fuels. This would quickly create financial incentives for companies and individuals to pollute less. Domestic carbon pricing, making these fuels more costly, would spur further development of wind and solar power and could shield the United States from import duties that Europe plans to impose beginning in 2026.
Several carbon pricing bills have been introduced in Congress. For example, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (HR-5744) would impose a slowly rising fee on the carbon content of fuels that are produced in America or imported. The fees would be used for administrative expenses and dividend payments to U.S. citizens or lawful residents, as is done in Canada.
Carbon pricing can be an effective, fair, non-coercive way to reduce climate-altering pollution. Ask your members of Congress to co-sponsor carbon-pricing legislation.
Linda DeLap, Group Leader, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Morristown Chapter, Morris Plains.
Pipelines safest way to move fuel
Ladies and gentlemen, please do not be stubborn by opposing natural gas transport that employs pipelines.
I realize that while pipeline projects are being built, there will be unexpected delays in traffic and rerouting of traffic.
But, don’t you think the people of Connecticut — or anyone traveling on Interstate 95 there — experienced major inconvenience when a gasoline tank truck hit an I-95 bridge in Norwalk earlier this month?
Give Gov. Ned Lamont credit for getting the right contractor to fix the road after this inferno.It’s now open again, but, for four days, no one could use the highway because it was was melted. Now the overpass needs to be rebuilt.
Although this particular mishap involved gasoline, pipeline transport of natural gas is the most expedient and safest way to it where it needs to go. How do you think the airports get fuel for the airplanes? How do you think you get gas service to your homes?
To be sure, these are different types of “gas service,” but the transport mechanism is the same. Yes, there will still be gasoline-carrying tankers on the road to deliver to gas stations, but pipelines for large supplies is necessary.
We also need to get the (canceled) Keystone XL pipeline job back in force.
Diane Perez, Fords
Senator seems to be missing
Where is Cory Booker?
In the past, it was said by critics —and even some admirers — that the most dangerous place to be was any space between U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and a TV camera. However, it has been months since I’ve seen, either in this newspaper or any media outlet, any story about Booker or his positions on major state, national or international issues.
Either he is purposely avoiding the press, or the press is purposely avoiding him. Please advise.
Andrew S. Heffler, Scotch Plains
And, who will apply the bronzer?
In the hush money trial, the judge has warned that if Donald Trump is found in contempt of a limited gag order one more time,he will put Trump in jail.
Who is going to do his hair if that occurs? His Secret Service detail? His cellmate? I don’t think so.
Larry Monaco, West Caldwell
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