Carbon Taxes
Many experts agree that taxing carbon to regulate emissions is the most economically efficient approach to achieve reductions and meet environmental goals. RFF research on carbon pricing examines the potential impacts on different regions and populations as well as on employment, assesses options for revenue use, and more.
Carbon Pricing Calculator
Use our interactive tool to see the effects of different policy designs.
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How do carbon tax adjustment mechanisms work?
Read this issue brief, written in partnership with Environmental Defense Fund, to learn about how tax adjustment mechanisms can increase certainty about the outcome of a carbon tax.
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Explainer — Jun 6, 2019
Carbon Pricing 101
An introduction to carbon pricing, including carbon taxes and cap-and-trade programs, the benefits and design of pricing policies, and applications around the globe.
Data Tool — Oct 1, 2020
Carbon Pricing Bill Tracker
Compare bills introduced in the 116th Congress that would implement a price on carbon dioxide emissions
Issue Brief — Apr 5, 2021
Emissions Projections for the Climate Leadership Council Carbon Dividends Plan: 2021
An assessment of the impacts of the Carbon Dividend Plan on US energy-related CO₂ emissions if the policy were to be fully implemented in 2023.
Issue Brief — Apr 5, 2021
Emissions Projections for the Climate Leadership Council Carbon Dividends Plan: 2021
An assessment of the impacts of the Carbon Dividend Plan on US energy-related CO₂ emissions if the policy were to be fully implemented in 2023.
Explainer — Mar 9, 2021
Federal Climate Policy 102: Economy-Wide Policies
An overview of economy-wide federal climate policy options, from carbon taxes and cap and trade to a portfolio of regulations that systematically tackles each sector of the economy.
Report — Oct 23, 2020
Framework Proposal for a US Upstream GHG Tax with WTO-Compliant Border Adjustments: 2020 Update
The report provides a significant update to the original Framework proposal. Its provisions to assure WTO-compatibility also underscore challenges of designing border tax adjustments (BTAs) to be an element of recent US legislative proposals and similar efforts in the European Union.
Workshop/Seminar — Mar 13, 2020
Adding Mitigation Certainty to a US Carbon Tax: A Workshop on the REEP Symposium (Postponed)
A discussion on how to address emissions uncertainty in US carbon tax design
RFF Live — Sep 20, 2019
The Future of Carbon Pricing: Examining 2019's New Proposals
Understanding the nuances of the many carbon pricing plans introduced so far this year
RFF Live — Mar 28, 2019
Putting a Price on Carbon, with Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Beyer
Unpacking elements of the proposed cap and dividend legislation and the landscape for a carbon pricing policy
Media Highlight — Nov 13, 2020
To Address Climate Change While Protecting Workers, the United States Needs a Border-Adjusted Carbon Tax
An argument favoring border tax adjustments on the Council on Foreign Relations' blog refers to RFF analyses on the topic.
Press Release — Aug 7, 2020
Tax Adjustment Mechanisms Can Improve Likelihood of Success for Carbon Taxes
New research from Resources for the Future and Environmental Defense Fund finds adjustment mechanisms can reduce the emissions uncertainty associated with carbon taxes.
Press Release — Nov 12, 2019
New Episode of Resources Radio: “Carbon Pricing Proposals in Today's Congress, with Marc Hafstead”
Marc Hafstead offers insight on the numerous carbon pricing proposals that have been introduced in the US Congress.
Resources Radio — Nov 12, 2019
Carbon Pricing Proposals in Today's Congress, with Marc Hafstead
In a special crossover episode with CSIS' Energy 360° podcast, Marc Hafstead analyzes the recent cluster of carbon pricing proposals that have been introduced in the US Congress.
Resources Radio — Sep 30, 2019
A New York State of Carbon Pricing, with Karen Palmer and Daniel Shawhan
Karen Palmer and Daniel Shawhan provide expert insight on the future of carbon pricing in New York State.
Common Resources — Aug 14, 2019
Do Environmental Regulations Kill Jobs?
Marc Hafstead explores six key takeaways from recent work on jobs and environmental regulations.