Carbon Pricing in the District of Columbia: A Conversation with Councilmember Mary Cheh

Carbon Pricing in the District of Columbia: A Conversation with Councilmember Mary Cheh

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Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 11:00 AM

The John Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC)

RSVP now to camila@chesapeakeclimate.org

Washington, D.C. is at the forefront of cities nationwide when it comes to promoting clean energy and tackling the climate crisis head-on. As federal politics threaten our local values, it is time for the District to lead again—by reducing our local carbon footprint while continuing to grow and create jobs.

As leaders in the D.C. business community, we invite you to a conversation with Councilmember Mary Cheh to explore proposed Carbon Fee-and-Rebate legislation: an innovative, cost-effective approach to meeting the District’s climate and energy goals.

COME TALK BUSINESS AND CARBON POLICY WITH COUNCILMEMBER MARY CHEH:

RSVP now for this August 24th 11:00 am event to reserve your lunch and a seat at the table. Contact Camila Thorndike, Carbon Pricing Coordinator at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), at camila@chesapeakeclimate.org or phoning (541) 951-2619.

The Climate and Community Reinvestment Act of DC would put a price on economy-wide carbon emissions with a predictably rising carbon fee. Revenue raised by carbon pricing would be recycled back to residents, small businesses, and green investment programs. The multi-sector coalition backing this legislation formed in 2015 and has grown to include more than 35 organizations and businesses.

Carbon pricing can efficiently decarbonize the economy for human sustainability. It is the only strategy that simultaneously reduces fossil fuel dependence while boosting clean energy. Over 30 years of experience and research worldwide has lent this market-based solution strong bipartisan support from leaders such as William Nordhaus, President Obama, and Elon Musk. A carbon price that phases in gradually over time will give businesses the flexibility to plan and adjust their energy usage to reduce or eliminate their carbon emissions by selecting readily available clean energy options.

In July, the Center for Climate Strategies and Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) released an important study analyzing the economic impacts of the D.C. Carbon Fee-and-Rebate. These highly respected research firms found that this policy would cut emissions while maintaining economic growth, creating hundreds of jobs, and putting more money in the pockets of DC residents.

Your perspective as a local business owner is important as this proposal moves forward. We invite you to share your feedback in advance of a bill hearing this fall. Please join fellow business leaders in a conversation with Councilmember Mary Cheh at the Wilson Building at 11 AM on Thursday, August 24. In preparation we encourage you to review the following materials, in order of importance:

To attend, RSVP by Tuesday, August 22 to receive notice of room location and other information by emailing Camila Thorndike, Carbon Pricing Coordinator at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), at camila@chesapeakeclimate.org or phoning (541) 951-2619.