Republicans Float a Trial Balloon for a Carbon Tax. Will the Grassroots Give It Lift?
On this week’s Energy Gang podcast, we look at a new plan for a carbon tax and dividend from Reagan-era Republicans.
by Stephen Lacey
February 16, 2017
Last week, a group of highly respected Republicans released a plan for a $40-per-ton carbon tax on point-of-source emissions from coal, oil and gas. Why now?
With a Republican White House and Congress, they argued, now is the perfect time to show America that conservatives have better ideas than the command-and-control Democrats who are only interested in imposing more regulations as a solution to climate change.
A steadily-rising carbon tax is the most economically efficient way of dealing with carbon pollution. But it certainly doesn’t play well in American politics. And now that Republicans have control of Congress and the White House, they have little incentive to trade a carbon tax for an end to regulations. Still, some are hopeful that grassroots supporters, prominent Republicans and even officials like Rex Tillerson can help shape President Trump's mind on a carbon price.
On this week's show, we'll look at what it would take to move carbon pricing forward.
Then, there’s a growing movement to get scientists running for office. Should clean energy professionals also consider public office?
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Finally, we'll remember Art Rosenfeld, the godfather of energy efficiency.
eta.lbl.gov
This podcast is sponsored by KACO New Energy, a leading solar inverter company with superior engineering and unmatched customer service.
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