Title
Resolution to Support the Carbon Fee and Dividend Plan Proposed by the Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor recognizes the serious threat posed by climate change, and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint;
Whereas, On December 17, 2012, the Ann Arbor City Council adopted the Ann Arbor Climate Action Plan which identifies steps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to meet current short-term goals, and to set mid- and long-range targets for emissions reductions into the future;
Whereas, Fossil fuel consumption accounts for more than 60% of GHG emissions in the U.S. [source: EPA];
Whereas, Experts from climate science and economics assert that a carbon price is one of those most effective and realistic potential methods for reducing GHG emissions;
Whereas, A carbon fee aims account for the societal cost of carbon pollution;
Whereas, The Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is a widely recognized organization advocating for a national carbon price;
Whereas, The CCL calls for a plan in which a carbon fee is imposed on all fossil fuels at the point where the first enter the economy. The fee is then returned to American households in the form of a dividend;
Whereas, the dividend component makes that plan revenue neutral, and studies have found that a carbon fee that is directly rebated in equal shares provides a net financial benefit to a majority of households with the greatest benefit going to the lowest income quintile;
Resolved, The Ann Arbor Energy Commission supports the effort by the Citizens’ Climate Lobby to institute a national Carbon Fee and Dividend;
Resolved, The Ann Arbor Energy recommends the City Council signs the CCL Carbon Fee and Dividend Pledge.