4 ms·

Let's just tax CO2 production and let the market sort it out.

by klipt 5y ago

kbenson 5y ago
Yes, just accounting better for negative externalities (that is, making externalities internal) would solve a lot problems. But, given how hard it is to get people on board to pay for something that was seen as free or close to it before is (see CA trying to fix messed up water rights), I don't have high hopes for that.
- fleddr 5y ago
  I think one way or another, we have to accept less material wealth, which is going to be a hard sell in any case. My idea is to trade less stuff for more economic security.
- aidenn0 5y ago
  The irrational desire to never pay for something that was one free is powerful. I live in SoCal and see BMW 7 series diving around looking for street parking to save the $1.50/hr parking charge. I can't imagine what would happen to sla politician who would suggest putting in parking meters!
  - kbenson 5y ago
    I wonder how much of this is money and how much is because of time and inconvenience. A spot without any fee is the baseline for a lot of people. A spot with one of those dedicated meters that's at each space and takes it's own card or change is slightly inconvenient, but not too much. Those lots that have a central place to pay that takes a card are less convenient, but not too egregious. Those lots that require you go find the central box just to have it tell you a lot code, and then you have to go back and find the spot number, just so you can got to a website to enter the information (I hope you have a good memory, or took some pictures) and pay online are the bane of my existence, and I will happily drive around looking for any other option for a minute or two (FWIW, in my minivan most often, but I don't know how much of your perception is BMW assisted ;) ). On the other hand, if you could just have it auto-deduct from the same account that pays tolls on the bridges in the bay area through license plate recognition with a similar level of "you park and walk away" automation, I think most people would happily just deal with it because of the convenience.
    - aidenn0 5y ago
      These lots are attended; you get a ticket when you enter and you can pay cash or credit from your car when you leave
  - sanderjd 5y ago
    This is such a good example of the issue.

Let's just tax CO2 production and let the market sort it out.

by klipt 5y ago

Let's just tax CO2 production and let the market sort it out.

Yes, just accounting better for negative externalities (that is, making externalities internal) would solve a lot problems. But, given how hard it is to get people on board to pay for something that was seen as free or close to it before is (see CA trying to fix messed up water rights), I don't have high hopes for that.

fleddr 5y ago
I think one way or another, we have to accept less material wealth, which is going to be a hard sell in any case. My idea is to trade less stuff for more economic security.
aidenn0 5y ago
The irrational desire to never pay for something that was one free is powerful. I live in SoCal and see BMW 7 series diving around looking for street parking to save the $1.50/hr parking charge. I can't imagine what would happen to sla politician who would suggest putting in parking meters!
- kbenson 5y ago
  I wonder how much of this is money and how much is because of time and inconvenience. A spot without any fee is the baseline for a lot of people. A spot with one of those dedicated meters that's at each space and takes it's own card or change is slightly inconvenient, but not too much. Those lots that have a central place to pay that takes a card are less convenient, but not too egregious. Those lots that require you go find the central box just to have it tell you a lot code, and then you have to go back and find the spot number, just so you can got to a website to enter the information (I hope you have a good memory, or took some pictures) and pay online are the bane of my existence, and I will happily drive around looking for any other option for a minute or two (FWIW, in my minivan most often, but I don't know how much of your perception is BMW assisted ;) ). On the other hand, if you could just have it auto-deduct from the same account that pays tolls on the bridges in the bay area through license plate recognition with a similar level of "you park and walk away" automation, I think most people would happily just deal with it because of the convenience.
  - aidenn0 5y ago
    These lots are attended; you get a ticket when you enter and you can pay cash or credit from your car when you leave
- sanderjd 5y ago
  This is such a good example of the issue.