'Let's Clear the Air' succeeds in starting dialogue

Imagine the head of the local Republican Women and Democratic Party sitting next to each other! A broad spectrum of participants was at the business and civic leader luncheon hosted by Citizens Climate Lobby on Nov. 17.

It was refreshing to witness people freely expressing concerns about the carbon fee and dividend policy proposal presented by the members of the “Water, Wind, and Fire Tour.” John Sandvig, former aeronautics executive, Steve Ghan, climate scientist, and Jen Syrowitz, Washington Audubon conservation manger, attended meetings all along eastern Washington to explore viable solutions to climate change.

Local concerns about impact of such a policy on small businesses, such as logging truck drivers, and the reality of implementation of a CF&D was the dominant concern. The reality of shifting market forces toward renewable energy was acknowledged, including the need to reshape certain industry sectors. A CF&D policy would get ahead of the game and allow for transition planning in congress, while increasing job creation in the renewable energy sector as well as equally providing funds to households to deal with increased fossil-fuel-based product prices. Plans on how to deal with the more difficult border tariffs were explained.

The community hall was full for the public evening panel discussion, with Bob Boeh, Idaho Forest Group, and Commissioner Glen Bailey joining the presenters. Rep. Sage Dixon had last minute scheduling conflicts, but submitted a statement, expressing his belief in open, respectful dialogue, while maintaining that “climate change” does not present an imminent danger to the state of Idaho.

A minority in the crowd confirmed Bailey’s skepticism of man-made climate change. While he confused weather with climate, he discredited climate change science, renewable energy profitability, and expressed distrust of any government intervention into business. He contended that the presenters employed tactics to draw out emotionality to elicit support for their policy, and cited indoctrination by the liberal media.

While Bailey and Dixon didn’t directly addressed the proposed policy as a solution itself in favor of their preconceived opinions, Bob Boeh’s opinion switched from seeing CF&D as impossible to not “the” but rather “a” possible solution that deserves more dialogue.

Despite apparent disbelief in the crowd at some of the opinions expressed, this openness to further dialogue was the overall take-home from the evening. Better understanding of opposing concerns together with established relationships hopefully will continue this dialogue towards taking on stewardship for our planet together.