Global warming tax: 20 cents per gallon?
Would you pay an extra "carbon tax" at the pump to kick start a climate-change action plan? That's what three senators are proposing

Big Oil gave initial "cap and trade" legislation an icy reception. Now, Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have a new proposal that's being called climate change's "Hail Mary": To place a "carbon tax" on gasoline. Likely to be passed on to drivers at the pump, the tax would start at 10 cents per gallon, rising to 20 cents after 10 years — with the revenue funnelled into clean-energy research or subsidies for hybrid cars. Will oil companies, not to mention drivers, buy it?
The senators' plan is too weak to work: The oil industry needs real incentive to cut down on pollution, says Tom Fowler in The Houston Chronicle, and a tax of a dime or two a gallon doesn't cut it. Recent history has shown that Americans won't cut back on driving until the price of gas reaches $4 a gallon. This plan will merely help oil companies blame the government whenever consumers complain about expensive gas.
"Climate bill watered down to gas tax?"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Big Oil may like it, but consumers sure won't: Oil companies may well prefer this to a cap-and-trade bill, says Susan Ferrechio in The Washington Examiner, but a new gas tax still will face plenty of opposition. Senators from both parties will fight to kill "any bill that threatens to raise prices or impose a fuel tax" on consumers and businesses that are already struggling to get by.
"A gas tax to cure global warming? Compromise looks to revive stalled plan"
It's time to stop arguing and do something: Of course it would be better if Congress would just pass a straightforward bill, says Bill Snape in National Journal, that imposes the same burdens on everybody. But it's time to get past the "hot air" and show some "true leadership." Congress just needs to settle on some real targets for cutting emissions and preventing "unprecedented harm to humans and the natural world."
.....................................
SEE MORE COVERAGE OF GLOBAL WARMING:
• Climate change: Time to eat Fido?
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Local elections 2025: where are they and who is on course to win?
The Explainer Reform UK predicted to make large gains, with 23 councils and six mayoralties up for grabs
By The Week UK Published
-
What is Starmer's £33m plan to smash 'vile' Channel migration gangs?
Today's Big Question PM lays out plan to tackle migration gangs like international terrorism, with cooperation across countries and enhanced police powers
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Quirky hot cross buns to try this Easter
The Week Recommends Creative, flavourful twists on the classic Easter bake, from tiramisu and stem ginger to a cheesy sharing-size treat
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published