To the editor,

I believe in the science of climate change. I believe in scientists to warn us of the consequences of climate change (especially one particular scientist, my niece, Dr. Michelle La Rue, a geospatial engineer who is stationed at Fort McMurdo, Antarctica).

The movement to carbon free, green energy is expensive, with many moving parts. I know that. However, I am old enough to remember when auto makers were screaming and pulling their hair out because mandatory seat belts in all new cars were going to be so incredibly expensive and would make cars so expensive that few would be able to buy them.

In addition, many who rode in cars claimed, “You’re not going to tie me up in a seat belt.” Yet approximately 16,000 lives a year are saved due to seat belt usage. So, I ask: Would you buy a car today with no seatbelts?

I remember when builders pushed back against smoke detector and sprinkler system ordinances required in all new builds, the city’s Ordinance 15.04.160 for example, claiming the cost increases to home ownership or rentals would be substantial. Yet the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

In tackling climate change, there is more at stake than a monetary return on any one investment. Why not start small? River Falls is growing. The city government has control over creating and monitoring building codes. The city can regulate how many parking spaces are required for the number of apartments in a building. Why not require a percentage of those parking spaces be charging spaces for electric vehicles only?

We have big hopes riding on development in Mann Valley, a perfect spot to incentivize businesses who come in and agree to invest in charging spaces. More expensive, for sure; but if we balk at taking even this small step to encouraging green transportation, it’s very questionable if our leaders are truly serious about tackling climate change at all.

Patricia K. La Rue
River Falls