Basinger letter: Environment

BSU just released an opinion survey of 1,000 Idahoans from across the state on a variety of issues. On the subject of the environment and climate change, over 92 percent agreed that presenting the issue as a choice between protecting the environment and growing the economy is false. Over 68 percent of Idahoans agree that the climate is changing; of those 71 percent see human activity as at least part of the cause.

Idahoans want their leaders to find economically viable solutions to our environmental problems. Our actions or inaction to decrease greenhouse gas pollution will affect the future livability of our planet for centuries. This is not an issue for procrastination, and waiting for disaster isn’t leadership.

A gradual, revenue neutral price on greenhouse gas emissions would be effective in slowing climate change as well as decreasing the cost of respiratory and other illnesses caused by air pollution This is a conservative, market-based plan that stops letting fossil fuel companies pollute our air for free. Money collected is returned in equal shares to individuals to use as they see fit. This will encourage everyone from individuals to manufacturers and venture capitalists to move toward clean energy, conservation, and away from disastrous climate change.

This story was originally published March 13, 2016 at 12:07 AM with the headline "Basinger letter: Environment."