November 2, 2009: PHE Research Produces Its First Policy Recommendation

Physical History and Economics research has produced its first practical, specific policy recommendation: that a tax be placed on fossil fuels, especially petroleum, and that the proceeds of that tax be used to make up for projected shortfalls in Social Security and Medicare funding over the next several decades.

This is called "bubble-matching" and can help simultaneously save social
security, medicare and the climate.

A letter to Senator Boxer describing this policy follows below.

November 2, 2009

Dear Senator Boxer,

I am urging you to enact legislation that would place a tax on fossil fuels to save social security while at the same time reduce greenhouse gass emissions.

This approach is called "bubble-matching." There is a bubble baby-boomers approaching retirement age that will over-stretch the presently available resources of the Social Security system and Medicare. Likewise, there is a one-time "bubble" of fossil fuels, especially petroleum, that will be substantially depleted during the next 50 or so years.

Therefore, this is a one-time opportunity to match a potential revenue bubble with a known cost bubble, while at the same time helping to save the environment.

The fossil fuel tax won't eliminate the use of fossil fuels, but it will somewhat reduce their use and make alternative energy sources more economically competitive. Therefore, this is a clear opportunity to help save our future for both present generations (soon-to-retire seniors) and future generations.

Best regards,

Mark Ciotola

 

About | Contact | Playground | Site | Design Notes | Copyright Notice and Disclaimer