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I've always thought a carbon credit/tax, or more broadly an externality credit/tax, system, would resolve these issues. Then the users will pay the real cost al
by MichaelZuo 4y ago
I've always thought a carbon credit/tax, or more broadly an externality credit/tax, system, would resolve these issues. Then the users will pay the real cost always, and obviates the need to ponder.
- HPsquared 4y agoThat works until governments realize they have an incentive to maximize environmental damage so they can bring in more tax. There is the risk of the same old game (never solve a problem so that it can be "managed" forever)
- MichaelZuo 4y agoThe incentive wouldn't be any greater then forcing fuel users to consume as much fuel as possible to bring in more tax.
- echelon 4y ago> an externality credit/tax, system, would resolve these issues. This is a good approach to a lot of things, except when said thing also has positive externalites and second order effects associated with it. Travel is one such example, as it's essential to lubricate the economy. As such, we should encourage as much of it as possible. Business thrives on it. Without cheap air travel, America is weak. We lack commuter rail infrastructure, and car travel is far too slow. Taxing air travel or increasing its costs are a nonstarter. If we predicted the era of air travel to be coming to an end, we'd be making rail investments. Air travel is likely to continue growing, however, so there's little rush for domestic rail projects. America flies.