Climate change is a fraught topic. Even among those who are confident about the trajectory of the climate, there is disagreement about the cause, severity, consequences, and solutions. Among Republicans, while interest in the issue has increased over time, particularly among younger voters, many are concerned that steps to mitigate environmental harm will fuel a bigger government and impede economic freedom. But if Republicans base their climate policy stances on this fear, they will miss the chance to pursue a conservative “harm reduction” strategy that would also check the size and reach of government.

Instead of viewing the debate as only about climate change, conservatives should embrace the political opportunity it presents to reduce the harmful distortions imposed by other taxes and shrink the regulatory morass of federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency. As I explain in a new paper, conservatives can achieve these goals with a well-crafted revenue-neutral carbon tax.