Sens. Angus King of Maine and John Cornyn of Texas have recently introduced the Strategy to Reduce Russian Energy Influence Act. This bipartisan effort to contain the expansionism of Russian President Vladimir Putin is laudable and it can’t happen fast enough. But where to begin?

Along with boosting our fossil fuel production, put a fee on carbon products. It will quickly incentivize ways to use less fuel, and the fee can be refunded to those of lower income.

Our country, and the free world, can put Putin out of the oil and gas business, which supports his corrupt regime. Additionally, we will be making a significant contribution to taming global warming: a problem that will outlast Putin.

Chris Beeuwkes
Mercer