Letter to the Editor: Questions about H.R. 763

Dear Editor: 

I read with interest the two letters regarding H.R. 763 (Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019). I’m not challenging it, I’m just wondering what is in the bill that would make prudent use of taxpayers’ funds regarding pollution. 

What funds? Who pays the steadily rising price on carbon? I must say I’m skeptical of government returning money to the people. 

What are the border tariffs to protect American businesses and workers from unfair foreign competition? How will it increase jobs? Also, what is the administrative cost? Will there be another office set up to do this? What is required in the transition period? What will be required to reduce fossil fuels? 

Another question: will the U.S. do this while China, India and other countries are the ones who produce the most air pollution? 

Both letters mention Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard supporting H.R. 763. It would be good if she would come to Downey and explain it. Frankly, I’d be surprised if she could. When I met with her a few years ago and brought up the NAFTA super highway, she didn’t know what it was. After I explained it to her, she said, “write that down Hector.” Then I asked about SPP (Security and Prosperity Partnership). That was where we would build a big building in Mexico City and they would mail out our Social Security checks from there. Her answer was the same: “write that down, Hector.” 

The only thing she could come up with was, “I am for DACA.” It only took me five calls to her office (two to DC and three to her L.A. office) to find out she didn’t want a border wall. 

Now, regarding our state officials: if you wonder why they are so quick to tax gasoline, it is probably because it is a tax they don’t have to pay. Their cars are provided; they don’t pay for gasoline and the taxpayers also pay for their car insurance; I assume the same would apply for repairs. 

The last increase in gas tax was supposed to repair roads but Gov. Newsom wants to use a lot of it for light rail. There are very few politicians that I trust. 

If our elected officials are so concerned about pollution, why don’t’ they take commercial airlines and not their private airplanes to go to work for the three days a week they work? 

Lastly, what happened to Gov. Brown’s fast track from L.A. to San Francisco? Was it not there was so much overrun in funds that it may never be completed -- even after tearing out two miles of a freeway for it to go there? 

So I definitely want a very detailed explanation of HR 763 and I’m sure other taxpayers do too. 

Elva Van Leuven
Downey