HomeMy WebLinkAbout19-113RESOLUTION NO. 19-113
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST.
LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING UNITED STATES HR 763,
WHICH WILL IMPOSE A FEE ON THE CARBON CONTENTS OF FUEL,
INCLUDING CRUDE OIL, NATURAL GAS, COAL, OR ANY OTHER
PRODUCT DERIVED FROM THOSE FUELS THAT WILL BE USED SO AS TO
EMIT GREENHOUSE GASES INTO THE ATMOSPHERE; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, U.S. HR 763, an Act cited as the "Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of
2019," will create a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund for the American people in order to encourage market -
driven innovation of clean energy technologies and market efficiencies which will reduce harmful
pollution and leave a healthier, more stable, and more prosperous nation for future generations; and
WHEREAS, H.R. 763 is a bipartisan measure that will reduce U.S. carbon emissions by at least 40
percent in the first 12 years and 90 percent by 2050; and
WHEREAS, this bill would introduce a gradually rising carbon fee that would reflect the
externalities of pollution costs, thereby creating a market -driven demand for cleaner energy
technologies; and
WHEREAS, the net revenues from the carbon fee introduced by this bill would yield a dividend
for the American people in the form of a rebate; and
WHEREAS, a U.S. Department of the Treasury study concluded that 53 percent of households
would receive a net financial benefit from the bill; and
WHEREAS, this bill would also generate more than 2 million jobs over a 10 year period in local
communities across the country; and
WHEREAS, a 2018 joint Yale University and George Mason University study found that seven in
ten Americans think global warming is happening, and nearly half of Americans say they have personally
experienced the effects of global warming; and
WHEREAS, global climate change poses a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of all
Floridians, including those in St. Lucie County; and
WHEREAS, the Board believes that this measure is both necessary and expedient in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions nationwide, while providing a net financial benefit to most Americans.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. LUCIE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT:
SECTION 1: The foregoing precatory language is adopted as if set forth below.
SECTION 2: The Board authorizes this resolution in support of U.S. HR 763 cited as the "Energy
Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019," and urges its federal delegation to support the bill.
SECTION 3: This Resolution shall become effective upon its adoption. The County Administrator shall
send a copy of this Resolution to the Members of Congress who comprise the County's federal
delegation.
After motion and second the vote on this resolution was as follows:
Commissioner Linda Bartz, Chair
AYE
Commissioner Cathy Townsend, Vice Chair
AYE
Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky
AYE
Commissioner Sean Mitchell
AYE
Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson
AYE
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED THIS 7TH DAY OF MAY 2019.
ATTEST:
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:C114
CHAIR
APPRQVED AS TOrFORM AND
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