City Council Meeting Date: January 19, 2021
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Beth Kallestad, Program Coordinator
Title
Consider a Resolution supporting federal legislation authorizing a federal, revenue-neutral, market-based fee on carbon in fossil fuels.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council adopts a resolution supporting federal legislation authorizing a federal, revenue-neutral, market-based fee on carbon in fossil fuels.
Summary Report:
At the October 21, 2020 Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) meeting, the EQC adopted a motion asking City Council to support federal legislation authorizing a federal, revenue-neutral, market-based fee on carbon in fossil fuels.
The Northfield City Council received a presentation on this topic at the January 12, 2021 City Council meeting.
The City of Northfield has acknowledged the importance of taking action on climate change, as shown by its continuing participation in Minnesota's Green Step Cities program, through implementation of the city Climate Action Plan (CAP), and through other measures. One of the elements of the CAP is to "plan for the elimination of fossil fuels in the community."
This resolution asks the federal government to put a fee on fossil fuels at the source (at the mine, well, or port of entry). This will drive down carbon pollution because energy companies, leading industries, and American consumers will move toward cleaner, cheaper options.
Many countries around the world put a price on carbon pollution. In our country, there is strong and growing support for a bipartisan approach to addressing climate change. A number of carbon pricing bills have been introduced in Congress by members of both parties. A majority of Americans think that fossil fuel companies should be required to pay a carbon tax.
Economists agree that putting a price on carbon is essential. The Economists Statement on Carbon Dividends is the largest public statement of economists ...
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