Brian Moench's "Can we endanger the future responsibly" (Opinion, Dec. 12) raises some important issues. As Moench points out, the governor's new energy plan should recognize the environmental and public health problems associated with our heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

Our moral obligation to the next generation requires us to immediately commit to clean, renewable energy. Our children need a stable climate, clean air and clean water. They cannot secure these necessities themselves. They depend on us.

The refrain that we need a "balanced" energy policy suggests compromise and caution when in fact it recklessly avoids addressing the imminent threats of climate change and national security. As Moench points out, just as there is no "balanced" way to continue a smoking habit, there is no "balanced" way to endanger the future of the next generation by continuing to rely heavily on fossil fuels.

For this reason, we must put a fee on carbon that will speed the transition to clean energy. Returning the revenue from this fee to the public will allow us to make this transition without inflicting hardship on American families.

Jamie Pleune

Salt Lake City