Photo: VentureBeat.com
In attending the Energy Information Administration (EIA) Energy Conference in Washington, DC, there was much discussion about a carbon tax. However I have been told that a carbon tax would be a third rail of politics. This means that if you want to get elected you really don’t want to talk about any increases in taxes or adding a tax. Regulations are really a tax, but the voter does not see this. Presentations that I have attended by the major oil companies, especially Exxon/Mobil, have made forecasts that take into account a carbon tax. The oil companies would like to have a carbon tax I think, because it does put some stability in what there costs will be. This is comparison to regulations which can change and may not be dependable.
The Wall Street Journal: The Carbon Tax Miracle Cure
The New York Times: Pain at the Pump
