The 119th Congress is underway. During this time, it is important to bring awareness to a glaring issue being overlooked by congressional representatives such as U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23).

In his press release on Jan. 6, when referencing what he referred to as “the Green New Deal religion that so many on the left have promoted for the last several years,” he stated: “The American people spoke pretty loud and clear with their votes in this last election and the last several elections for that matter that they are kind of done with that.”

This is an oversimplified view of the reality of this past election.

Support for any candidate is often based on a combination of priorities, values, and a deep sense of distrust for the alternative.

For some, President Donald Trump’s economic policies, such as tax cuts for small businesses, deregulation efforts, or his stance on job creation, may align with their personal or professional interests. Others may appreciate his strong rhetoric on national security, border control, or other areas of governance.

However, supporting a candidate doesn’t mean agreeing with everything they stand for. A constituent’s vote cannot be interpreted as a blanket endorsement of every policy, especially when it comes to our environment and the remarkable natural resources we are blessed with here in Chautauqua County.

As residents of Chautauqua County, we are no strangers to the challenges posed by climate change — whether it’s extreme weather events, fluctuating agricultural conditions, or the rising costs of energy.

As our community continues to grow and thrive, we must be proactive in addressing the looming environmental crisis while also protecting our economic future. One way Congressman Langworthy can promote this for our district with his extraordinary appointment to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce is by endorsing a carbon tax such as the one proposed in H.R.5744 — Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023.

This proposed tax is a market-driven solution that incentivizes businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon emissions, while simultaneously generating revenue that can be used to support clean energy technologies, job creation, and vital infrastructure. Congressman Langworthy acknowledged that “…our energy providers, the electrical companies that I’ve met with, say they don’t have any ability to put more energy in the grid on the electrical side of things…”

Expansion of the electrical grid in Chautauqua County would be a massive and expensive undertaking, but not impossible with the revenue generated from the proposed carbon tax. As proposed in H.R.5744, revenue generated from a carbon tax can also be used to return dividends directly to households, ensuring that families, particularly those in rural or underserved communities, are not disproportionately burdened by energy costs.

As we move forward in the 119th Congress and the leadership of President Donald Trump, we must address the intersection of economic growth and environmental responsibility. Congressman Langworthy can lead on both fronts with his historic position on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As we face the challenges of climate change and the future of energy, our representatives must consider all available options to protect both the environment and the economic well-being of their constituents. Congressman Langworthy’s leadership on this issue could set the stage for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Chautauqua County.

Miranda Updyke is a Westfield resident.