Climate change is one of the most serious and imminent crises we face today. While a carbon tax may not be the best way to force environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels, it is a step in the right direction. Congressional opposition to this tax at such an early stage is sending a message that climate change is not an important issue; not only does science say otherwise, but it is only a short matter of time before every American begins to see the effects themselves. Congress must do its job and support a carbon tax in pursuit of the general welfare.