Comment Log Display

I hope that the Board will consider the alternative Carbon Tax to
Cap and Trade. This is a much more transparent approach to pricing
carbon. Also, the revenues go to the state, which can use it to
close the budget gap, re-fund our public transportation systems,
schools, and social services, and invest in green energy. 

Simultaneously, regulate specific pollution sources. A carbon tax
makes it more expensive to pollute, but does not always guarantee
less pollution. That’s why it’s a good idea to combine this
policy with strict enforcement of clean air laws with the biggest
polluters, such as oil refineries, making sure to clean up the
environment for the communities that live around them. 

The “trade” part of Cap & trade is problematic.  It allows
companies that want to continue emitting to buy credits from those
that emit less. In addition companies were able to game the
cap-and-trade system to make money for polluting by getting credits
given away by government with no real reductions in emissions at
all.  This has been the case in the European Union.