We need jobs to keep the economy going. We need companies to create those jobs. We don’t need carbon pollution. So why tax the things we need, like jobs, with a payroll tax? Why not tax carbon instead?
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.
Climate Wire: Poll sees a leap in GOP climate belief
The Washington Post: Antarctic ice loss could double expected sea level rise by 2100, scientists say
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.