Have you noticed the changes around you? I no longer see moths gathering around porch lights. I have not seen starfish on the rocks at the park. But my greatest loss is the assurance of a safe future for my children because of climate change. It is here, and it is caused by burning fossil fuels.

Two acts in Congress will reduce fossil fuel use: The Green New Deal, or GND, and the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, or EICD.

The GND is a broad, ambitious, aspirational resolution that will serve to move us toward a clean energy economy. The EICD is a carefully crafted bipartisan bill that will put a price on emissions and return the money to households. The economic effects this would have on each region of the US, and on all income quintiles have been studied. The studies show that the bill will not hurt the economy. It is endorsed by many economists. A similar bill in BC has been a success at reducing emissions without hurting the economy.

Climate scientist Dr. Steve Ghan, will discuss this bill at The Salmon Center in Belfair on Feb 28 at 6:30 p.m. It would be a first step in making the Green New Deal a reality. Visit Citizens’ Climate Lobby.org for an explanation of this bill.

Marty Bishop, Port Orchard

Read on Kitsap Sun