Climate change is a local problem. Maine has already experienced eight inches of sea level rise, with 1.5 more feet expected by 2050. This will increase nuisance flooding more than 22 times, cause erosion in coastal beaches, dunes, salt marshes and bluffs, as well as coastal groundwater contamination.

Recent “ocean heat waves” have occurred in the Gulf of Maine, which is warming faster than 99% of the world’s oceans and is beginning to lose its subarctic characteristics. Maine lobster are shifting northward, while harmful species are invading.

We have the power to act now to limit the harms. Research shows that the single most impactful action to reduce carbon emissions is to enact national carbon pricing. Currently proposed as the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (EICDA, H.R. 2307), carbon pricing will place an escalating fee on fossil fuel CO2, making dirty energy cost prohibitive.  The funds collected will then be re-directed back to U.S. households as a monthly payment to offset cost increases for most Americans. Excluding consumer gas from the fee is also under discussion.

Pingree is a co-sponsor of the EICDA; Golden needs some encouragement to sign on. Because both our senators are members of the Climate Solutions Caucus, Collins and King would also benefit from hearing about constituent support for a carbon fee and dividend program.

I know Mainers care about the environment. We need to demand that our elected leaders care about it too.

Katrina Matheson

Rockland