Letter to the Editor - More bipartisan, common-sense solutions needed for environment

Dear editor,

Both of Montana’s senators, Sen. Jon Tester and Sen. Steve Daines, promoted and voted for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Rep. Greg Gianforte praised this public lands package and called for immediate action in the House. (https://gianforte.house.gov/)

Bipartisanship worked in the interest of Montanans.

Conserving natural ecosystems and biological diversity is a core Montana value.

Another bipartisan bill that will further protect our air and water is H.B. 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.

A Republican and a Democrat co-sponsored this bill together. Protecting our environment is too urgent to get caught up in partisan politics. This policy will reduce America’s emissions by at least 40 percent in the first 12 years. It’s supported by economists and scientists as simple, comprehensive and effective.

The fees on carbon emissions are collected at the mine or well, and at the border, not at the pump. The revenue will be allocated to all Americans as a monthly dividend to spend any way we choose. The government will not keep the fees collected, so the size of government will not grow. Sens. Daines and Tester and Rep. Gianforte need to hear from us that we want common-sense solutions to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, spur energy innovation and create jobs.

Bipartisanship isn’t just a good idea; it is Montana’s way.

Kathleen Masis, M.D.

Billings