Brookings Institution: 9 Things You Should Know About the Carbon Tax

A “carbon tax” is one way to price carbon emissions generated from the burning of fossil fuels—e.g., coal and natural gas—to generate energy.

Economist call these emissions “negative externalities” because their costs—especially in terms of environmental harm—are not borne solely by the producer, but by the community. Thus, the actual cost to society of producing energy is higher than the cost to individuals.

New York Times: Carbon Pricing Becomes a Cause for the World Bank and I.M.F.

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund are pressing governments to impose a price tag on planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions, using economic leverage and technical assistance that institutions like the United Nations cannot muster.

The Washington Post: Antarctic ice loss could double expected sea level rise by 2100, scientists say

Sea levels could rise nearly twice as much as previously predicted by the end of this century if carbon dioxide emissions continue unabated, an outcome that could devastate coastal communities around the globe, according to new research published Wednesday. 

The Sacramento Bee: A carbon tax Jerry Brown thinks could have potential

By David Siders

Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday said a tax on carbon dioxide emissions has potential and suggested he was open to the idea.

The Democratic governor, a fiscal moderate but longtime champion of environmental causes, noted support among some conservatives for a revenue-neutral carbon tax, in which proceeds are not held by the government.

New York Times: Obama to Propose a $10-a-Barrel Fee on Oil

WASHINGTON — President Obama’s budget request to Congress will include a new fee on oil companies, requiring them to pay $10 to the federal government for every barrel of oil they produce, the White House said on Thursday.

The money, which could bring in up to $32 billion in new federal revenue annually, would be spent on a variety of transportation and infrastructure projects, including bridges and highways, high-speed rail and research on advanced vehicles such as electric and self-driving cars.