Abstract: Supporters of a new carbon tax are using arguments
aimed at conservatives (it can be revenue neutral) and liberals
(it can help the environment) alike. But even if one concludes
that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are leading to
increased temperatures—and there is robust debate and far from a
public consensus on the magnitude of man-made warming,
particularly among conservatives—a carbon tax would (1) do next
to nothing to lower global temperature, (2) harm American
manufacturing competitiveness, (3) create a new revenue stream
based on behavior modification, and (4) harm low-income
Americans. Energy supplies can be delivered and new supplies
created through the private sector rather than through mandates,
regulations, taxes, and subsidies ordered by government. In
America’s struggling economy, fossil fuel production stands out
as a bright spot. Currently, 9,000,000 Americans work in the oil
and natural gas industry, and another 550,000 Americans work in
coal mining. Wages for these jobs