James Hansen Proposes ‘Simple, Honest’ Carbon Fee

On the 40th Earth Day celebration held at the National Mall in Washington, DC, James Hansen, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies’ director, spoke on the importance of sustaining and preserving the environment. James laid bare the fact that the prices of cheap fossil fuels do not reflect their actual costs to the environment, society and future generations.

James stressed the fact that energy bills will need to be designed specifically for the public and not for fossil-fuel companies and banks. He also suggested the idea of collecting ‘simple, honest’ carbon fee from fossil-fuel firms. The money gathered would then be given to the general public as a ‘green check’ or ‘dividend’. The money given to the public will assist them to make a smooth transition to using clean energy.

James made this suggestion after discussion with the Carbon Tax Center, the Price Carbon Campaign, Citizens Climate Lobby and with religious leaders. The suggestion includes important components of bills suggested by Congressmen Bob Inglis (R-SC) and John Larson (D-CT).