Jim Barrett’s Posts

• Against cap-and-dividend

  Peter Barnes' carbon policy proposal would not spur the economic changes we need 19

  Posted 1 year, 4 months ago

  I should preface by saying that I am a fan of Peter Barnes. He's an emeritus board member of Redefining Progress. He's a smart and thoughtful guy. But I'm not a fan of his cap and dividend idea, mostly from an economic perspective.

  First, the idea that a price on carbon would be transformative, and that we should do that first and then come in with other complementary policies later, is dangerously wrong. Transportation and building heating/electricity are the two largest contributors to carbon emissions, accounting for well over half the total. The price elasticity on transportation fuels… Read More

• Stimu-lie?

  The green tax credits are good ideas, but not good stimulus ideas 4

  Posted 1 year, 9 months ago

  So, maybe you've heard: the economy looks like it might be headed for the tank. You may have also noticed that there's an election this year. That means it must be time for a stimulus package on Capitol Hill. No one up there wants to head into reelection with rising unemployment, a rash of foreclosures, and falling incomes on their hands, without at least looking like they're doing something about it. So there's a rush on the Hill to get a "stimulus package" out the door to help boost the economy ASAP.

  Cynicism aside, I think this is a… Read More

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