NOTES

1  words by Stephen P. Cook, , Project Worldview http://www.projectworldview.org based on CLC plan www.clcouncil.org

2   An initial  $40 per ton tax on carbon emitted in burning fossil fuels would bring in ~$200 billion / year to be shared equally by all Americans. The Climate Leadership Council says “Families of four would see an average annual payout of $2000” by the Soc. Security Admn. The tax would slowly rise. A border adjustment tax would hike prices on imports from countries that don’t impose carbon taxes--giving them incentives to do so. 

3   The carbon tax factors environmental costs into prices.  So prices of gasoline, non-renewable derived home heating fuels / electricity, etc. will rise. Rebates will offset increases—but 70% of Americans with lower incomes come out ahead since the wealthy tend to pollute more. Pricier fossil fuel will spur innovation, promote renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help us meet Paris climate pact goals.  

4   2016 average global temperatures set a record for the third straight year—with the increase above the previous year’s values being the largest ever.  Today average global temperatures are the highest they’ve been in the last 125,000 years! (see USA Today Jan 18 2017 story). 

5   The CLC says “Polls reveal 64% of Americans favor this plan, including 54% of conservative Republicans. The popularity of dividends is crucial not only to the initial passage of carbon taxes, but also to ensure ongoing support for gradually increasing the carbon tax rate.”