#Letters to the Editor — March 12, 2021

The Issue: Sen. Joe Manchin’s threat to block a climate-change bill unless Republicans have a say.

Sen. Joe Manchin is right: Democrats need to at least make an effort to enlist Republican support on a climate bill before resorting to reconciliation (“Key Dem: Give GOP a voice,” March 9).

Bipartisan measures will be more durable in the face of future power shifts, and mitigation of the climate crisis requires long-term, sustained action.

A carbon fee could be palatable to conservatives and is regarded by hundreds of economists and climate scientists as the fastest way to reduce greenhouse gasses.

Republicans must show a willingness to take on the problem, something they have failed to do so far. And Democrats should take them up on this uniquely bipartisan proposal if they do.

Jordan Sollitto

San Marino, Calif.

A large majority of Americans, from all ends of the political spectrum, understand that climate change is a major threat to our way of life.

Manchin understands that Republicans and Democrats both have to be involved in the fight.

There is a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and get Republicans and Democrats on the same side: put a price on carbon emissions.

We can use the carbon fees to bring environmental justice to those most affected by pollution and climate change.

We can invest in 21st-century infrastructure — like energy storage and an upgraded power grid — and become the industrial powers of the future.

Sanford Krasner

Altadena, Calif.

Manchin and President Biden are both wrong to call the infrastructure bill a “climate bill.” It does address some of our emissions, but only a small part, compared to what’s needed.

American actions alone aren’t enough. The problem is too big and the timetable too short to work piecemeal on the fringe.

Only an American-led fee on carbon pollution paid for by the fossil-fuel industry addresses all emissions, and when done in tandem with a border adjustment, ensures global cooperation.

Mark Tabbert

Costa Mesa, Calif.

It is important that Republicans participate in the climate-change discussion.

What is needed is for Republicans to join with moderate Democrats, such as those who supported the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act last year, and push a bill that does what is needed for the planet while protecting Republican interests.

If they do not, Democrats will do what they can to use regulations and spending to reduce carbon use, and the results will not be best for any of us.

Jim Martin

Huntington Beach, Calif.

The Issue: Ayden Wolfe, a 10-year-old boy who was allegedly killed by his mother’s boyfriend in Harlem.

Why isn’t anyone talking about the bigger issue (“Early warning,” March 9)?

Can we talk about how important it is for inner-city children to be in school?

The Department of Education and the city constantly talk about equity. These school shutdowns are the most inequitable thing to happen in the city school system.

I cannot even begin to imagine how many children are unaccounted for at this time. It makes me sick to my stomach that city children are not being made a priority.

Violet Sinanaj, Yonkers

It’s hard to believe that our society again allowed such an avoidable killing to take place, despite the lessons from the similar cases.

The only institution that didn’t seem to fail the victim this time was Administration for Children’s Services.

Richard Siegelman

Plainview