A price on carbon is among the most straightforward, effective, unambiguous measures the federal government can take in response to climate change. We must reduce carbon emissions now — sooner, if possible — and to do so, we need a price on carbon in the budget reconciliation package now working its way through the Senate.
I applaud President Joe Biden’s goal of reducing U.S. emissions by 50 percent by 2030, but without a price on carbon, the package will likely fall short of that critical goal. The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Oregon’s own Sen. Ron Wyden, is actively considering a price on carbon as part of the reconciliation package. Under discussion is a carbon fee that would start at $15 per ton, escalating over time, coupled with rebates to households and a border carbon adjustment. The rebate would offset the burdens of increased costs to lower-income or economically marginalized households. A border adjustment would prevent energy-intensive U.S. businesses from moving overseas to escape the carbon fee, and would encourage other countries to enact a similar carbon tax.
Wyden needs to hear from constituents and community leaders now. The next few weeks are critical for climate action, the best chance in at least a decade to enact significant emissions reduction. A robust price on carbon, coupled with household rebates and a border adjustment, can move us quickly toward significant emissions reductions. Go big or go home, right? We are home; now we need to take care of our home.
Amalia Gladhart
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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