"...But you can't significantly raise the federal fuel tax in the midst of a recession/depression...."
Increase the gas tax each year while at the same time lower payroll taxes.
Posted by Gay Veteran at February 18, 2009 11:26 AMHow much stim is being "pumped" into the economy while gas is at $2 instead of $4?
Posted by TIKI AL at February 18, 2009 11:35 AMThe key idea of a carbon tax, as opposed to a giveaway auction to the rights to pollute, for profit, is that it would ultimately replace income taxes. At least, that's Big Al's proposal.
It does put the cost where it belongs and makes absolutely clear what the actual costs of fossil fuels are. That suddenly makes "wind, solar, biofuels (marginal!) and the like" a lot more attractive. As long as people don't understand how completely subsidized our suicidal energy industry is, we'll continue to make poor choices.
There is never a good time for economic and social upheaval. I'd argue that when the current system is such an obvious failure is one of the best opportunities we'll have to switch course and try something NEW and IMPROVED!
Posted by DeminNewJ at February 18, 2009 02:06 PM"One big problem progressives and green energy advocates have is an inability to effectively articulate an economically-sound master plan to gradually convert our existing fossil fuels economy to a green one."
Scientific American had a pretty good article in the January 2008 issue that had costs and a timeline, presenting a realistic infrastructure with multiple options.
Posted by IntelVet at February 18, 2009 05:04 PMI need a bail out............
Posted by Orlando at February 18, 2009 07:35 PMThanks IntelVet, I'll check that out.
Posted by Steve Soto at February 18, 2009 09:25 PM