Town Council Calls Upon Elected Representatives To Create Carbon Trust Fund

Carbon Dividend Resolution

We, the Gray Town Council, hereby call upon our Federal elected representatives to enact H. R. 2307, To Create a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund.

Enacting H.R. 2307 will 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. It will also protect Maine from the costs and environmental risks of continued climate inaction, which can include higher temperatures, warming oceans, sea level rise, and more severe storm events.

Creation of a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund, with monies to be distributed monthly or quarterly to the American people, will make markets more efficient, create jobs, and stimulate competition, innovation, and technological progress that benefit all Americans and future generations. Enacting a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund program will help decrease long-term fossil-fuel dependence, aid in the economic transition for energy consumers, and keep local energy dollars in Maine's economy.

The concept of carbon pricing and dividends has been championed by US economists[1] as the most effective and fair way to deliver rapid reductions in harmful carbon emissions at the scale required for our safety and the safety of our planet.

We expect our representatives to lead in this critical moment for the health and well-being of our residents and for the protection of Maine's natural resources from which we all benefit.

Within 30 days, the record of the vote approving this article shall be transmitted by written notice to the Town of Gray’s State Legislators, to the Governor of Maine, to the Town of Gray’s Congressional Delegation, and to the President of the United States, informing them of the recommendations from the Gray Town Council.

ADOPTED ON September 7, 2021, by the Gray Town Council. Ayes include: 

Councilor Sandra Carder

Councilor Krista Chappell 

Councilor Anne Gass