Green Harbor

Well, to be fair, it really is not a “new” idea, but some concerned citizens are calling for a different approach to the U.S. government’s proposed Climate Bill. These citizens state that cap-and-trade should be replaced with a carbon tax.

The Obama administration’s proposed Climate Bill has met a lot of resistance in the U.S. Senate, and the legislation and policies concerning cap-and-trade are partly to blame. Some citizens believe it is too harsh and will create job loss, others state it has “no teeth” and will not solve any carbon emission issues.

Examining the argument making the Climate Bill tougher on polluters, some suggest replacing cap-and-trade with a carbon tax. They feel cap-and-trade has too many loopholes, too low cost of permits, not enough pressure on polluters, and has the ability to give away permits for free.

A carbon tax, in theory, would severely effect and target the largest polluters, will create a large incentive for carbon emission reduction and the addition of clean carbon technology, and would generate revenues directly from the largest energy users. Then, the funds raised by this tax could be used to invest in new wind, solar, and renewable resource technologies and power.

Proponents of the carbon tax do admit that it would still raise energy costs, but that state that this would only be a short term issue since it would force changes more quickly and effectively.

Related posts:

• Oil Companies Warn that the Current Climate Bill Will Raise Prices at the Pump
• U.S. Senators Boxer and Kerry Ready to Submit Climate Bill to the Senate
• The Obama Administration’s Climate Bill Meeting Heavy Opposition in the Senate From Both Sides
• U.S. Climate Bill Not Approved But Already Having An Impact
• Some Republicans Do Understand the Need for a Comprehensive Climate Bill