Title
Recognizing climate change and urging Congress to levy a revenue-neutral fee on carbon in fossil fuels.
Body
Whereas, Saint Paul is committed to enhancing and maintaining health and quality of life for all residents and communities; and
Whereas, Saint Paul is committed to being carbon neutral by 2050, offsetting emissions so no net carbon dioxide would be released into the atmosphere; and
Whereas, human activities that contribute to burning fossil fuels lead to rising global temperatures, as indicated by scientific evidence; and
Whereas, it is also shown by scientific evidence that reducing concentration of carbon dioxide from 400 parts per million to 350 parts per million in the atmosphere is necessary to slow or stop rising global temperatures; and
Whereas, further increases in global temperature will cause increasingly longer, more intense heat waves, and more intense and dangerous storms, and as such pose imminent threat and long-term danger to the health of residents and the natural environment of Saint Paul and the nation; and
Whereas, the strategy proposed by the non-partisan Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend to reduce carbon emissions is needed to quickly transition away from fossil fuels; and
Whereas, the dividend would protect middle and low-income households during transition to cleaner energy; and
Whereas, annual increased costs for fossil fuels in-tangent with increased use of sustainable energy, would encourage consumers and businesses to minimize carbon footprint; and
Whereas, the benefits include a better economy, community health, and environment, from divesting in the oil industry from international trades, keeping money flowing in the United States, and investing in clean energy, which will provide sustainable jobs; and
Whereas, adopting the Citizens’ Climate Lobby Carbon Fee and Dividend Legislation in the United States would move our country and city forward to actively increase quality of life of residents and meet our city goal of being carbon neutral by 2050; and
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Saint Paul City Council urges the U.S. Congress to act now and pass legislation, with bipartisan cooperation, of a Carbon Fee and Dividend and urge the President to sign it into law.