Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) made the case in his Jan. 11 op-ed, “Fossil-fuel bullies vs. Republicans,” for how difficult it is for Republicans in Congress to support climate change legislation when their reelection is threatened by the resources of the fossil-fuel industry. That reveals the courage of House Republicans who supported a resolution introduced in the last Congress by Rep. Christopher P. Gibson (R-N.Y.) to assess the risks associated with climate change and look for conservative responses. Sixteen fellow Republicans joined him as co-sponsors. Ten Republicans joined 10 Democrats in the Climate Solutions Caucus to look for bipartisan solutions to climate change.

Money speaks if we let it. I still believe that political will is more powerful, and that’s what it takes to elect courageous Republicans and Democrats who will stand up to big money to keep our planet livable.

Cheryl Arney, Ellicott City

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) made an excellent argument that Republicans would like to do something about climate change but are being held hostage by Big Oil. He said, “A climate solution will require safe passage for Republicans through the political kill zone.” Agreed. But I take issue with his statement that Democrats, environmentalists and scientists “can’t help with that.” Yes, we can.

Consider this elegant, market-based, revenue-neutral, job-saving solution called the Carbon Fee and Dividend proposed by the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, of which I am a member: Place a predictable, steadily rising price on carbon generated by fossil fuels; return all fees collected to households as a monthly dividend; use import fees to keep businesses from relocating to places where carbon isn’t taxed.

The plan would reduce carbon dioxide emissions 52 percent below 1990 levels in 20 years. Recycling the revenue would create an economic stimulus, adding 2.8 million jobs to the economy. Bonus: 230,000 premature deaths from air pollutants would be avoided. What’s not to like?

Sally Kelly, Chevy Chase