Cap and Dividend

A simple, fair and lasting way to address the climate crisis

Congressman Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, one of the highest ranking members of the U.S. House of Representatives, introduced the Cap and Dividend Act of 2009 on April 1st. [imbedded link to the bill]. The proposal will help solve the climate crisis, help our economy grow and help working families prosper. It is simple, transparent and fair.

This important piece of legislation will limit pollution, help our economy prosper and make us more secure, all while protectingAmerican families from rising energy prices.

Science tells us that we must quickly and steadily reduce carbon pollution. If we don’t, we will see irreversible changes to the climate system with potentially disastrous consequences for America and the world. Leaders from all walks of life, from science to business, religion and our military leadership, have called on Congress to act.

Cap and dividend is the plan we need. It applies a strong cap on pollution. It auctions 100% of the carbon pollution permits to prevent billions in corporate welfare. It allows for no complex carbon "offsets," so we can be sure we achieve our goals. And it returns the proceeds of the auction to the American people in direct payments. Studies have shown that well over half the households in the country would be better off or break even under a cap and dividend approach.

Take action>>

New Energy Monday

With these words in late 2007 Rajendra Pauchari, chair of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, underlined the urgency of our work to fundamentally change U.S. climate and energy policy.

With this in mind, the U.S. Climate Emergency Council is launching a “New Energy Monday” campaign. Each Monday in 2008 we are calling upon people to take action that steps up their personal commitment to being part of the solution.

What could you do each Monday?

• You could join USCEC director Mike Tidwell and coordinator Ted Glick on an every-Monday fast.
• You could skip a meal.
• You could bicycle to work.
• If you eat meat, you could forego it on this day.
• You could commit to do volunteer work for a local climate group.
• You could call your local, state and federal elected officials to prod them to take action (see below for one action to take).
• You could call five of your friends to talk with them about this campaign and encourage them to join it.
• You could pledge to make a donation each week to a group working on climate issues.
• You could join with others in your area and organize a “Clean Energy Now” vigil at a busy intersection in your town or city.
• Or you could take another form of action.

The U.S. needs to lead a rapid transition away from fossil fuels and onto the path of energy conservation, efficiency and renewables. 2008 is a critical year to advance this cause. All of us need to think seriously about how we can step up our activism and commitment.

Register now to be part of the “New Energy Monday” campaign>>