In Berkeley, California, an increase in the utility tax on wealthy households that use a lot of power would go toward subsidizing lower-income residents in transitioning to clean alternatives.
Transitioning the U.S. economy from fossil fuels to 100% clean energy is a massive undertaking. But from an equity, economic, and environmental perspective, the opportunities far outweigh the costs.
This increased energy use will disproportionately affect low-income households, the scientists said, and will also increase greenhouse gas emissions even more, further exacerbating climate change.