Editor,

John Thompson claims in his recent letter to the editor that Initiative 732 “purports to deal with climate change.” There is room for disagreement about how to structure a carbon tax, in particular in what to do with the tax revenue, but there is no doubt I-732 will be effective. A carbon tax in British Columbia has been a success. Dr. Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank, recently told The New York Times, “There is an….obvious consensus that putting a price on carbon pollution is by far the most powerful and efficient way to reduce emissions.”

State I-732 is the only vehicle Washington voters have in this election to take a stand on climate change. Time is of the essence. If some conservation groups would prefer a carbon tax which allocates revenue for renewable energy development or other green projects, such proposals could be implemented by the state Legislature, if there is the political will. I-732 was designed to be revenue neutral, to make its political appeal as broad as possible. Tax increases are hard to pass. Washington has voted twice (three times?) to require a two-thirds vote in the legislature for any tax increases.

Politicians and citizens left, right and center frequently speak of “finding common ground, compromise, doing what’s best for the most.” I believe I-732 is an opportunity to do just that. Washingtonians have the opportunity take leadership in building momentum toward national carbon tax legislation.

JOHN GOERTZEL