A representative of I-732 will be at the San Juan Grange, 6 p.m., Sept. 1.

1. It’s a step in the right direction: Climate disruption is running rampant. At the Paris talks last year, it was agreed that we have to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid radical climate destabilization. But no current policies keep the planet anywhere near this goal! Every step that we take that brings us back from the brink is worth it. If we keep postponing action until we have the perfect plan it may be too late for our planet and our species.

2. Economists say that taxing carbon is the right approach: Substituting a carbon tax for some of our current taxes makes sense. Why tax good things like payroll, investment, businesses and workers – when you can tax “bad” things like emissions?

3. It begins to fix Washington state’s regressive tax system: Our state has the dubious distinction of having one of the most regressive tax systems in the nation. Many working families in the bottom 20% by income will pay less than half the taxes they do now.

4. Being revenue-neutral, it has broader political appeal: A revenue-neutral measure has the best chance of passing because it appeals to conservatives as well as progressives.

5. It will keep our state economy strong: By effectively eliminating the B&O tax on manufacturers, I-732 will help to encourage lower consumption of fossil fuels while offsetting the burden of the carbon tax on energy-intensive businesses, thereby preserving living wage jobs here in our state.

6. It’s a proven program; based on the successful British Columbia program which has reduced emissions 16 percent and kept the province strong economically. This scenario is tried and true.

Ande Findley– Lopez

Gretchen Allison – San Juan Island