Explanation

As Christians and members of a faith community, we have a responsibility to care for the earth and for the peoples of the earth. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 General Convention has previously adopted resolutions urging support for measures approving of efforts to reduce global warming, including Resolution GC2006-B002, “Acknowledge and Reduce Global Warming.” While local, regional, and state actions are important and necessary, they are not sufficient to solve this global problem which is accelerating ever more rapidly. The United States must take significant steps to participate fully in the international effort to preserve a livable world. The non-partisan non-profit Citizens’ Climate Lobby offers a scientifically-based proposal with bipartisan appeal. This climate solution, known as Carbon Fee and Dividend, is a national, revenue-neutral carbon fee-and-dividend system (CF&D) that would place a predictable, steadily rising price on carbon, with all fees collected minus administrative costs returned to households as a monthly energy dividend. In just 20 years, studies show, such a system could reduce carbon emissions to 50% of 1990 levels while adding 2.8 million jobs to the American economy. The benefits of a fully-rebated revenue-neutral carbon tax are clear to and endorsed by leaders of faith, business associations, national security leaders, and energy and healthcare industry leaders. This market-based solution will save lives, create jobs, and boost our economy while reducing the risks associated with climate change.