CARBON TAX ADVOCATE

Just hints about THE DEBATE OF OUR TIME in this article, the question of whether a market-based cap-and-trade system or a broader-based carbon tax is the best way to limit greenhouse gas emissions and protect the earth. No doubt more information in the book. (Send it and it will be reviewed: drhermandc@mail.com)

Can ‘carbon tax’ help?
Dan McLean, April 21, 2007 (Burlington Free Press)

WHO
Vijay Vaitheeswaran, environment/energy correspondent,The Economist, and author of Power to the People: How the Coming Energy Revolution will Transform an Industry, Change our Lives, and Maybe Even Save the Planet; Vermont Council on World Affairs
click to enlarge
WHAT
Vaitheeswaran’s talk advocated impostion of a carbon tax, the alternative to a market-based cap-and-trade system of emission restraint

WHEN
Vaitheeswaran’s talk was Friday, April 20.

WHERE
The Vermont Council on World Affairs is in Colchester, Vermont.

WHY
Vaitheeswaran’s ideas:
- The current energy system, based on oil and other fossil fuels, is unsustainable.
- The energy market is opening up to innovation and competition is coming from renewables.
- All government subsidies should be eliminated, leveling the field.
- A carbon tax is the most straightforward way to create a cost for greenhouse gas emissions. Emitters pay, renewables like wind and solar, as well as nuclear, do not.

QUOTES
Vaitheeswaran: "The world is at an energy crossroads…The current energy system is unsustainable…Despite the over-reliance on fossil fuels, there is reason to be optimistic…”