I propose a second initiative that is a companion to the COLORADO CLIMATE FUTURES INITIATIVE that is entitled the COLORADO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE INITIATIVE that concerns raising the overall taxes and related charges for oil and natural gas exploitation to some percentage rate between 7 percent and 10 percent. AND a legislative requirement that the additional income percentage raised in this fashion be channeled directly into the COLORADO CLIMATE FUTURES account funds. This will rapidly place a damper on carbon emissions growth in Colorado, and probably result in the carbon taxes being reduced and phased out within a decade or decade and a half. As the COLORADO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE account funds exceed what the COLORADO CLIMATE FUTURES fund can utilize, then a separate fund is established (which would also be done if the COLORADO CLIMATE FUTURES INITIATIVE fails to become voter approved). The COLORADO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE charges and funds could be a conditional added charge-tax until Colorado becomes energy independent through renewable energy technologies and biotechnologies and hydrogen generation, and is no longer dependent on importing net fuels or net energy resources from out of state. (note: this goal will be reached within 3 decades of commencing these two programs, even though this may seem unbelievable at this time. Some other states may also be able to achieve comparable goals; however Colorado is one of the most energy resource states in the United States, and it will probably happen here first.

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I was impressed by the discussion at the end of the meeting concerning a name. Although carbon management or carbon tax is what has gathered this group together and is the big issue concerning global warming from a technical perspective, the real issues are "climate", "energy", "sustainability" and Colorado's "future".

We have already discussed that 'tax' is probably not a really popular rallying concept.

Realistically, the really major issue is Colorado's climate future, and carbon tax, carbon cap, carbon trade, carbon credits, etc., are merely vehicles.

I propose "COLORADO CLIMATE FUTURES INITIATIVE".

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