Current Federal Legislation

House Bill 763, currently sponsored by 41 Representatives will establish a national carbon fee and dividend program designed to reduce carbon production by establishing a fee at the source of production (or import)  of carbon fuel energy sources.  This fee would initially be set at a low level and annually increase over a extended period.   The goal of this initiative is to stimulate businesses and individuals to seek alternative sources for energy.  

A key element of this approach is that all fees collected by the program would be returned to the public through a special income tax dividend, mitigating the impact on families.  Studies have shown a net benefit for most citizens of the Kansas City region.  Special consideration of the unique needs of farming communities is addressed in the current bill, acknowledging the current dependence on fossil fuel in this market segment.