Fresno conservative critical of GOP candidates for ignoring climate change | Opinion

Like many conservatives, I care deeply about environmental stewardship and safeguarding our economy. As a parent, I feel a strong moral duty to leave the Earth better than I found it for my family and future generations.

Nearly two-thirds of American adults now say that climate change is noticeably affecting their local communities.

In California, this issue feels real with the crazy and varied ways climate change is impacting us. The U.S. Forest Service reported more than 36 million trees died from the bark beetle in California. The devastating Creek Fire in 2020 incinerated almost 380,000 acres of trees and destroyed 850 structures. Both of these terrible events were caused by or were significantly influenced by climate change.

Yet, tuning into the Republican presidential primary debates, I was perplexed to see some candidates still deflecting questions on climate and others outright calling it a hoax. Any serious presidential contender should acknowledge the threat that climate change brings to the well-being and prosperity of hard-working Americans.

It’s imperative that Republican candidates demonstrate they are well-informed and ready to act to protect Americans from the escalating risks of an altering climate.

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Former U.S. ambassador Nikki Haley was the strongest voice on this issue, acknowledging our climate is changing. Haley is astutely aware that conservative leaders need a place at the table as common-sense solutions are thrashed out. How else do we ensure conservative concerns that high-polluting countries like China and India do their part to reduce climate pollution are part of the discussion? How do we elevate American innovation and free market solutions rather than enforcing regulations?

For example, 3,500 economists from across the country say putting a price on carbon emissions and returning that revenue to American households is the most cost-effective lever to reduce carbon emissions at the scale and speed needed. This kind of solution would ensure that businesses and industries are incentivized to produce lower-emission goods and provide services with fewer fossil fuels — all without government regulations or increasing spending.

This approach would also shield Americans from price shocks and energy inflation and fast-track domestic energy innovation, giving every community access to affordable clean energy at a predictable price.

To ensure American businesses aren’t undercut by high-polluting manufacturers abroad, a carbon price could also be applied to imports through a carbon border adjustment mechanism, holding countries such as China and India financially accountable for dirty production methods when they import their goods.

A path to such legislation is already underway, with Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware) recently introducing the bipartisan PROVE It Act. The bill would require the Department of Energy to measure the greenhouse gas emissions of products such as aluminum, cement, crude oil, fertilizer, iron, steel and plastic. Armed with this data, the U.S. could calculate a carbon tariff at the border and hold China and India directly accountable for their emissions with the message, “Reduce your pollution or pay up.”

And Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) have introduced a bill to impose a foreign pollution fee. The Foreign Pollution Fee Act (FPFA) is the first Republican carbon border adjustment mechanism bill in the Senate.

Since the U.S. manufactures more carbon-efficient products, American-made products would win the market share, leading to more American jobs. Studies have predicted a carbon border adjustment could increase profitability for U.S. steel companies alone by 41%, and other industries like car manufacturing would also be at an advantage.

With Kevin McCarthy’s resignation as of Dec. 31,I hope whoever wins Congressional District 20 will represent me and be truly conservative and ready to seriously address climate change.

Hopefully, Republicans will start to recognize that reducing emissions at home, growing our economy, and holding China and India accountable for their emissions are not opposed to each other. It’s time for Republican leaders to adopt comprehensive plans for all three.

Pete Moe is a veteran, retired commercial pilot, and volunteers with the Fresno chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.