I understand why more funding of basic energy R&D might be necessary. Arguably the private sector just isn't able to do this efficiently. I also understand why the government might need to help industry overcome coordination problems to create a smart grid.
However, if a sufficient carbon tax is imposed this should drive the appropriate investment in reduced carbon energy sources and eliminate the need for government fuel efficiency standards and the like as far as global warming is concerned. The whole point is that once you internalize the externalize then the most profitable choices are also the best choices.
Is this post assuming (correctly I imagine) that a carbon tax sufficent to internalize the full externalities of greenhouse gases is politically infeasible?
As each attempt to forge an easier way around harmful pollutants falls short, it becomes more clear every day that putting a price on carbon is THE most efficient and THE most effective way to scale up clean energy and find a means to significantly reduce carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other harmful pollutants. -- Jim Pierobon, Silver Spring, MD, USA
I understand why more funding of basic energy R&D might be necessary. Arguably the private sector just isn't able to do this efficiently. I also understand why the government might need to help industry overcome coordination problems to create a smart grid.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if a sufficient carbon tax is imposed this should drive the appropriate investment in reduced carbon energy sources and eliminate the need for government fuel efficiency standards and the like as far as global warming is concerned. The whole point is that once you internalize the externalize then the most profitable choices are also the best choices.
Is this post assuming (correctly I imagine) that a carbon tax sufficent to internalize the full externalities of greenhouse gases is politically infeasible?
As each attempt to forge an easier way around harmful pollutants falls short, it becomes more clear every day that putting a price on carbon is THE most efficient and THE most effective way to scale up clean energy and find a means to significantly reduce carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other harmful pollutants. -- Jim Pierobon, Silver Spring, MD, USA
ReplyDelete