'Put a price on it?' DC considers a local carbon tax, and it's a really bad idea

Washington D.C.’s government is currently discussing the viability of a local tax on greenhouse gas emissions—in common parlance, a carbon tax—to address climate change.

A carbon tax would place a price on the emission of greenhouse gases, thereby nudging energy users to sources with lower carbon profiles. Although there is no bill pending at this time, District Councilmember Mary Cheh, head of the Committee on Transportation and Environment, has lent support to the idea and has cited the “Put a Price On It, D.C.” campaign as the impetus for the current round of discussions.