Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
windmills.jpg

New York City economist and activist Charles Komanoff has been focused lately on developing and promoting the idea of a "carbon tax." Carbon taxes are still still very much considered fringe economic theory and politically unviable, though, as you read Komanoff's latest essay in Grist, you have to wonder how long that will last. The arguments in favor of carbon taxes are logical, powerful and, at least to this non-economist, seem to make a ton of common sense.

Fuel Tax Magic
by Charles Komanoff

...For all the promising antidotes to oil dependence, from ethanol and hybrid cars to rearranging living patterns so people and goods don't have to move as much, there's a growing awareness that the only surefire way to advance on all fronts is to create an irresistible and universal market pull by pricing gasoline at a very high level -- perhaps in the $10 a gallon range. And now that the climate crisis is overtaking oil dependence as the ultimate energy nightmare, people are starting to face the fact that only vastly higher prices for all fossil fuels can reduce CO2 emissions across the board, through conservation, not just of gasoline but of all petroleum products as well as natural gas and coal.

Yes, I'm talking about a carbon tax -- the only mechanism powerful and direct enough for the daunting task of phasing out fossil fuels....

Links:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Foot Traffic Data Shows New Yorkers Aren’t Avoiding Manhattan After Congestion Pricing

City data shows that more people, not less, are coming into Manhattan since the launch of congestion pricing.

March 19, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Stand Your Ground Edition

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber still has no plans to turn off the congestion pricing cameras — to hell with Donald Trump. Plus more news.

March 19, 2025

Gridlock Sam: Trucks Aren’t Rerouting into the Bronx or Staten Island to Avoid Congestion Pricing

"So far, there's no evidence that the forecasts that the MTA had for hundreds or even thousands of trucks diverting through the Bronx has happened."

March 19, 2025

It’s Official: Mayoral Candidate Adrienne Adams Decimated Outdoor Dining

The city has authorized just 600 restaurants and bars to set up curbside when roadway outdoor dining resumes April 1.

March 18, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Show Me Your Plate Edition

The city tightened its rules targeting drivers who block their license plates. Plus more news.

March 18, 2025
See all posts