Environmentalist groups agree on the majority of aspects regarding the preservation of our environment but carbon taxes remains an area where they are divided. In the state of Washington, initiative 732 will hit the ballot in December. It will raise prices from $15 to $100 per metric ton by the half-century. Many argue that although it does address a big problem in Washington, it will further the distance of inequity from low income families. One of the biggest problems in with environmental groups is that they usually project to desire of a well-off white person rather than low income families in which pollution affects the most. Opposers of I-732 claim that it does not take a big enough step towards reducing carbon emissions nor does it address low income communities. Those in favor claim it is a step in the right direction and that flaws can be worked out later. Carbon taxes are a tricky subject but ultimately I think it is vital for there to be one nation wide. This carbon tax needs to put an impactful carbon tax that forces the nation out of using carbon as an energy source. This carbon tax also then needs to use taxpayers money to transfer the country to renewable resources. It also must not be manipulated in a way where these huge corporations do not use this as an excuse for massive tax breaks. Finally, this carbon tax needs to invest in those most affected by carbon emissions (hint: not the coal or fossil fuel industry). Unfortunately, this is incredibly difficult as a large portion of those in congress are endorsed by the carbon industry. It will take the uniting of everyone in order to put pressure on these multi-billion dollar corporations and politicians. It support I-732 but I do not see it as a solution. I see it as a starting point from which we can strive towards perfection where we faze out carbon use quickly and effectively without hurting low income communities. I hope this also can spark a nationwide carbon tax.
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Alex Garcia-Environmentalist Archives
December 2016
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