Is a Carbon Tax a Good Idea?

As lawmakers appear to be at a stand still in budget negotiations to avoid the so called fiscal cliff, some are suggesting the politicians should consider a carbon tax in their wrangling over a deficit-reduction deal. A carbon tax is a specific price the government charges for carbon content per ton in fuels (most proposals range from $15 to $30 per ton). Where the raised revenue would go depends on the various proposals that have been put forward—to fund R&D for green energy technologies, to help lower-income families pay for increases in electricity prices dues to the tax, and, in light of the current situation, to pay down the national debt. But supporters say that the tax would incentivize companies to limit greenhouse gas pollution and is an important step in addressing climate change. Furthermore, they say it would boost the green energy industry, creating jobs.

Opponents insist that spending cuts, not more taxes, are the only solution to the current debt crisis. They also argue the tax would harm the energy industry, one of the most robust sectors of the U.S. economy right now, and cost American jobs. Some doubt the carbon tax's ability to bring down carbon emissions.

Is a carbon tax a good idea? Here is the Debate Club's take