Tax Us.

Can you imagine anyone saying that?

Of course not. But recently a very important group, The New England Power Generators Association essentially did just that. They represent a wide range of electricity generators in New England and they recognize the worldwide trend.

In their role as a regional wholesale energy association. They commissioned an independent study that came back in support of adding a surcharge on carbon emissions at the source of production. This idea favored by US and global economists is the simplest market way to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. While all forms of carbon-based fuels would see a small increase in price, the surcharge revenue would be rebated equally to New Hampshire consumers, not to the state.

So how does this effect you? Well putting a price on carbon, with a cash back rebate, blunts the impact of increased fuel prices. The costs of industrial pollution would be where they belong, and the cost of carbon would drive consumers behavior. So, carbon pricing drives important outcomes but is not a tax because all the money is returned.

The New Hampshire House introduced a bill HB735 to do just that, but it was tabled this year. Please help to raise awareness that carbon pricing with cash back is an economically viable solution to protect the environment, while protecting our wallet as well. Contact your representatives to encourage them to revive carbon cash back in 2021!

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