This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
While riding my bike to the grocery store, I started thinking about how much fossil fuel was burned growing, harvesting, shipping, and preparing the food that was giving me the energy to pedal. Although my transport was low carbon, I couldn't escape a dependence on fossil fuel.
How then to switch to a zero-carbon economy? Through a fundamental shift in how we obtain energy. Sure, individual actions are essential, but we need governmental policy to spur us on to a truly clean energy economy.
Will you help secure such a policy? On June 21, I will be in Washington, D.C., with 17 other Utah volunteers who are members of the non-partisan Citizens' Climate Lobby. We have appointments with every Utah member of Congress and/or their environmental aides.
A recent Yale University poll found that 58 percent of Americans are "somewhat" or "very" worried about this issue. If you are among them, please call Sens. Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee and your representative (Rob Bishop, Chris Stewart, Jason Chaffetz or Mia Love) on June 20 and tell them you want Congress to find policy solutions to climate change.
The receptionist taking your call will likely thank you for calling. Today's children and future generations will, too.
David Folland, M.D.
Sandy