Climate Change In On The Ballot April 6 In New Trier Township

From Citizens Climate Lobby:

Voters in New Trier Township will have the opportunity to voice their support of a national climate change policy in the Consolidated Election on April 6, 2021. The ballot will include the following non-binding advisory question:

“Shall the U.S. Congress pass legislation to place a carbon fee on fossil fuel producers where the collected revenue is given equitably to American households incentivizing businesses and consumers to reduce climate disrupting emissions, transition to clean energy and protect our economic well-being?”

Wilmette resident Diane Zuver helped to get the advisory question on the ballot and encourages fellow citizens to vote yes. "In order to preserve a future for generations to come, we need to continue to build on this momentum and encourage Congress to address climate change at a national level. What we do today will not only benefit our sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews, but will ensure that their children have clean air to breathe."

If the advisory question passes, New Trier Township will join Chicago and Oak Park in Illinois as well as local governments across the country - from Anchorage, Alaska to Miami, Florida - that are calling on Congress to address climate change with national carbon fee and dividend legislation.

Climate scientists and economists agree that carbon pricing is the most effective approach to reducing carbon pollution while boosting the economy, growing jobs and unleashing technology innovation. It will also improve health and save lives by reducing the pollution that Americans breathe.

A carbon fee and dividend policy works by imposing a predictable, steadily-rising price on CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. The fees collected, minus administrative costs, are allocated in equal shares to all Americans in the form of a monthly dividend check. This part of the plan protects poor and middle class families from increased costs due to the fee.

A carbon fee and dividend policy has been endorsed by business leaders, faith leaders, local governments, nonprofit organizations and editorial boards from across the political spectrum. New Trier Township may be about to add its voice to those who realize the clear benefits of this policy to people, the economy and the planet. You can email fee.and.dividend@gmail.com with any questions or for further information. Here is a link to a brief video explaining the advisory question.

The Wilmette Public Library and the League of Women Voters Wilmette recently hosted a virtual program about the advisory question. A recording of the program is available on the League of Women Voters Wilmette website at https://www.lwvwilmette.org.

This press release was produced by Citizens Climate Lobby. The views expressed here are the author's own.