Political science, economics, data science, and environmentalism
This year we saw a major loss in the Washington Sate legislature when Washington Strong died in committee even under a strong Democratic Trifecta. It was the most promising bill to fight climate change ever seen in the history of Washington State. We had no filibuster in the way because we are at the state …
Continue reading “Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act”
Problems with the video The above video from Cheddar examines how scientists have developed a brilliant way to fight global warming in a community by using your air conditioner. Our homes contribute about 10% of our global warming emissions, which of course is a very serious problem and we have about 30 years to solve …
You cannot call yourself a progressive if you support tax cuts to coal companies. Our planet is burning. We have the power to stop it. There are hundreds of policies which can be used to both fight global warming and help marginalized people. Please support expanding access to food stamps. Expand access to college. Boost …
There are a lot of issues floating around in the political landscape right now, and they all deserve some level of importance. When it comes to the most important issues facing America today, here is how I think of them in terms of importance. Social justice has many aspects demanding attention as always. You have …
In 2000 the Presidential election was stolen from President elect Al Gore by vote rigging in Florida. I fully believe based on all available evidence this is the case. Vice President Gore was going to attempt to make monumental shifts in how America was going to tackle the biggest challenge of our time, which is …
This morning, as I was eating my breakfast, I was thinking about global warming and carbon taxes as I usually do. We had some important progress done this year, and we can use the momentum we have gotten from this next year to pass significant legislation in 2020 in the Washington State Legislature. Brief history …
Continue reading “The Path to Fair and Equitable Carbon Pricing”
When designing legislation which has a chance of passing, there are a number of things which a legislator or non-profit needs to keep in mind. Based on my personal experience as a Carbon Washington employee, and volunteering for education and LGBT* rights, I have a few ideas, 3 regarding specific bills, and 2 regarding general …
This week has been amazing, with three major pieces of legislation which will reduce emissions in Washington State over the (very) long term passing and being signed by Governor Inslee this week. This is following 5 years of work which Carbon Washington and Audubon Washington have been doing to try to get policies which achieve …
Continue reading “Why a Pigouvian Tax Cannot Play Favorites”
Abstract Thoughts on how to design a more effective legislature to solve important issues like global warming by using ranked voting. Introduction It is now 2019. We are about to start the legislative session with the largest Democratic Majority in Washington State for 70 years, and if we are ever going to get progress done …