What would ideal climate legislation look like?
REP prefers legislation that would put a price on carbon dioxide emissions, either through a cap-and-trade program or a carbon tax. We support returning nearly all revenues raised by a cap-and-trade program or a carbon tax to the citizens. Under a more revenue-neutral cap-and-trade plan, which has been dubbed “cap-and-dividend,” CO2 would be capped. Power plants, refineries and other CO2 sources would be required to obtain allowances. Allowances should be auctioned and the bulk of revenues given to citizens through offsetting tax reductions or dividend checks. Alternatively, CO2 emissions could be taxed to encourage cutbacks in emissions. Proceeds of the tax should be returned to citizens. The tax rate could be adjusted periodically to ensure that CO2 reductions necessary to stabilize the climate actually are achieved. In addition, REP favors measures to promote energy efficiency and to diversify America’s energy portfolio through expansion of renewable and nuclear energy. Promoting gr
REP prefers legislation that would put a price on carbon dioxide emissions, through a statutory limit, a carbon tax, or a mix of those alternatives. We support returning nearly all revenues raised by allowances sales or a carbon tax to citizens.. A variation of cap-and-trade has been dubbed “cap-and-dividend,” CO2 would be capped. Power plants, refineries and other CO2 sources would be required to obtain allowances in auctions, and the bulk of revenues given to citizens through offsetting tax reductions or dividend checks. Alternatively, CO2 emissions could be taxed to encourage cutbacks in emissions. Proceeds of the tax should be returned to citizens. The tax rate could be adjusted periodically to ensure that CO2 reductions necessary to stabilize the climate actually are achieved. In addition, REP favors measures to promote energy efficiency and to diversify America’s energy portfolio through expansion of renewable and nuclear energy. Promoting greater efficiency and developing more e
