Climate Change In On The Ballot April 6 In Niles Township

Skokie IL

19 March, 2021

10:15 AM

Description

From the Citizens Climate Lobby: Voters in Niles 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?" Members of the local chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) a non-partisan climate advocacy group who worked to get the question on the ballot are encouraging fellow citizens to vote yes. "This policy will be a great first step to reducing carbon emissions," said Cheryl Trilling a local CCL volunteer. "We hope the support of carbon fee and dividend from Niles Township will encourage Congress to take action on climate change this year." If the advisory question passes, Niles 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. Niles 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 [email protected] with any questions or for further information. Here is a link to a brief video explaining the advisory question. This press release was produced by Citizens Climate Lobby. The views expressed here are the author's own.