(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

I applaud the city of Somerville for taking action on climate change and its goal to be carbon neutral by 2050. In response to the 5/20 article on Greentech pilots I want to mention an important piece of legislation that would accelerate investments in alternative energy and green technology. Representatives Toomey, Provost and Barber along with Senator Jehlen have co-sponsored a bill along with 37 other Massachusetts senators and representatives that would impose a fee on the carbon content of fossil fuels and return that revenue to households and businesses.

To make solar energy and other green technologies viable on a large enough scale their price needs to compete with the price of fossil fuels. CO2 emissions contribute to climate change which scientists agree will bring about drought, rising sea levels and more powerful storms. The price you pay at the pump today does not include the costs of such climate-related disasters. By incentivizing alternative energy there would be a natural decrease in CO2 emissions along with the creation of green jobs. To echo Mayor Curtatone “doing social good and building sustainable economies are not mutually exclusive,” and this bill presents the opportunity for the city of Somerville and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to remain on the forefront of combating climate change.

Jerry, East Somerville