RANDY GYORY - June 2, 2016
Randy Gyory was the speaker at the June 2 meeting of Emmaus Rotary Club. Randy is a graduate of Emmaus High School and received a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. After a 33 year career in natural gas distribution with Philadelphia Gas Works, Randy retired in 2012. He now operates a B&B with his wife, works part time at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and serves as the Pennsylvania state coordinator for Citizens Climate Lobby.
Before he began his presentation, Randy recounted his first visit to Emmaus Rotary Club as a young boy in 1964 when he played for a youth baseball team sponsored by the club. He also greeted Bob Bisbing. Randy and Bob's step-son were best friends during high school.
Randy shared information about the work of Citizens Climate Lobby - a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. CCL's founder, Marshall Saunders, is well known in Rotary circles having spoken at over 150 clubs and 5 RI conventions and receiving Rotary's Distinguished Service Award.
Randy said the goal of his presentation was to inform Rotarians about his organization and its work to reduce fossil fuel emissions as a means of minimizing the negative impacts of climate change. He acknowledged the range of opinions about the causes of climate change - or whether the climate is changing at all. He said that CCL respects all points of view on this issue - especially those who may disagree with its positions. Randy stated that he believes everyone can learn more about these issues and he hoped his presentation would provide members with food for thought - whatever their point of view.
Randy said that CCL believes the most effective way to achieve meaningful progress on the climate issue is passage of effective legislation by the U.S. Congress. He related stories of his time with Philadelphia Gas Works and difficulties the company had in collecting its fees from customers. Randy recalled lobbying the state legislature for changes in applicable laws and the positive effect the new laws had on improving the collections issue.
With that in mind, Randy said that CCL seeks adoption of legislation which will result in reductions of greenhouse gas emissions by 52% below 1990 levels in a way that grows the economy and saves lives. Working with economists and climate scientists, CCL developed a Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal which it believes will achieve these goals. Randy said members of Congress reflect the same range of opinions about climate change. So, in sharing CCL's proposal with federally elected officials, they take the long view by seeking first to build friendly relationships based on respect, appreciation and gratitude for their service. According to Randy, this approach has greatly aided in building the long-term relationships necessary to achieve legislative success.
CCL's signature proposal is a Carbon Fee and Dividend approach which has three components: (1) Collection of a steadily rising carbon fee on fossil fuels, (2) Distribution of 100% of the fees to U.S. households, and (3) Border adjustments to discourage business relocation. CCL believes that giving all of the carbon fee collections back to households — the end users — will enable families to pay for the higher prices of goods and services caused by more expensive fossil fuels. This will allow businesses to pass along their increased costs and maintain market share. However, as the carbon fee increases, businesses will be compelled to become more energy efficient and will convert to low-emissions energy in order to remain competitive. CCL believes these market forces will drive innovations in low-emissions technology, creating new business opportunities to develop, produce, install and service these products - which will, in turn, generate significant job growth. American companies will be able to sell these technology innovations globally. Additionally, American companies will become more efficient with the energy they use, making them more competitive worldwide.