Earth Equity News

Give a Tax on Carbon a Fair Hearing. Editorial, WashPost, February 16, 2009. "The six 'Principles for Global Warming Legislation' released recently by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) were notable for what they lacked. There were no specific greenhouse gas emissions targets. There was no determination on an auction of pollution permits vs. giving some or most of them away to polluters initially. But Ms. Boxer was clear on one thing: There will be no consideration of a carbon tax. Sure, the chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee said, 'We're willing to look at everything...' But she ended that declaration with '... but we believe cap-and-trade is the way to go'... Cap-and-trade regimes have advantages, notably the ability to set a limit on emissions and to integrate with other countries. But they are complex and vulnerable to lobbying and special pleading, and they do not guarantee success... A carbon tax, by contrast, is simple and sure in its effects... Alluding to the climate change bill that failed in the Senate last June, Ms. Boxer said that her committee would be 'starting afresh.' What better way to do that than by giving a tax on carbon a fair hearing?"