The article “EPA proposes eased Obama-era regulations on coal-ash pollution” (Nov. 4, TribLIVE) detailed the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to roll back regulations on coal-based power plants that would allow them to once again pour waste into our nation’s waterways, affecting the health of millions of Americans.
This makes no sense either economically or environmentally. The unsubsidized cost of renewable solar and wind power is now cheaper that the unsubsidized cost of fossil fuels in every state in the union. And because there are no greenhouse gas emissions to warm the planet from renewable energy sources, nor toxic waste, there is no good reason for the federal government to be making these reversals of regulations; they are spiteful and trying to prop up a dying industry.
What the federal government should be doing is implementing legislation that will quickly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create millions of “green” jobs, and improve the health of Americans through clean air and water. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (EICDA) does that by “putting a price on carbon” and returning the revenue to all Americans through a monthly dividend. This bill, introduced in the House in January, now has almost 70 co-sponsors, with that number growing almost daily.
If you’re feeling anxious about the climate crisis, get involved. Learn more about EICDA at www.energyinnovationact.org and call your member of Congress and senators, urging them to quickly pass this legislation. There’s not much time left to keep the planet from overheating.
Bruce Cooper
Cranberry Township
The writer is group leader of the Slippery Rock chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby.