To the Journal editor:

The problem with greenhouse gases is they are not visible. We don’t see the harmful pollutants coming out of our vehicle’s tailpipes and mixing with the air we all breathe.

Transportation emissions account for roughly half of the carbon dioxide entering the earth’s atmosphere. In 2018 the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere was 407 ppm (parts per million), a new record high, according to NOAA.

In contrast, before the Industrial Revolution, the level was 280 ppm of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. All of the coal, oil, and natural gas burned since the Industrial Revolution have contributed to the current carbon dioxide total of 407 ppm.

Not only is the air we breath polluted by fossil fuel emissions, but our weather is also affected. Fires, floods, hurricanes and droughts are expected to be more severe and damaging in the future because of the heat trapping effect of the 407 ppm of carbon dioxide.

If you are concerned about the future of planet Earth, tell your congressman. If you live in Congressional District 1, contact U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (202-225-4735). Urge him to support HR 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Bill.

This proposal will spur innovation in energy technology by putting a fee on carbon dioxide emissions. The fee will account for the true cost of burning fossil fuels and allow clean energy technology to compete with dirty energies.

Congress will respond when the numbers of calls reach the tipping point.

PATTI CLANCY

Marquette