Letter: Utah Republicans are right about cutting greenhouse emissions

In this undated handout photo from Solar Systems shows a solar power plant in Spain with panels reflecting light up to a central tower. — In this undated handout photo from Solar Systems shows a solar power plant in Spain with panels reflecting light up to a central tower, similar to the one the Australian government announced Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2006 will help build the largest solar power plant in the world as part of a new strategy to combat global warming.The government, under fire for refusing to sign the Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will contribute 75 million Australian dollars (US$57 million; euro 45 million) to the A$420 million (US$319 million; euro254 million) project to built a 154 megawatts solar power plant in Victoria state which will use mirrored panels to concentrate the sun’s rays, Treasurer Peter Costello said. (AP Photo/Solar Systems, HO)

I share the belief expressed in the column signed by 24 prominent Utah Republicans that climate politics needs Republican engagement. They believe the best way to cut greenhouse emissions is through a fee on emissions providing a price signal to the private sector. They support returning all the fees imposed to the American people. They support a border adjustment to to encourage worldwide action and prevent foreign interests from gaming our system.

Fortunately, HR2307, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, introduced in Congress earlier this year, does all of that. It is the fastest, fairest and least expensive response to climate change that I am aware of.

I encourage the rest of the column signatories to follow the lead of Rep. Ray Ward, R-Bountiful, and endorse HR2307.

Tom Hazelleaf

Seal Beach, California