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
Media Highlight — Oct 11, 2021
Carbon Tax Push Reappears Amid Democrats' Budget Negotiations
The Houston Chronicle cites RFF modeling to show how a carbon tax could help the United States reach President Biden's clean energy goals.
Working Paper — Jul 29, 2021
Border Carbon Adjustments without Full (or Any) Carbon Pricing
In outlining a possible way forward for border carbon adjustments (BCAs), the authors consider ways to create fair conditions for both domestic and foreign products while simultaneously decreasing global carbon emissions.
Working Paper — Jul 12, 2021
Understanding the Resistance to Carbon Taxes: A Case Study of Sweden
A survey of a national sample of the Swedish population, as well as members of a large organization that protests against fuel taxes, highlights the factors that influence resistance to carbon taxes.
Explainer — Jun 21, 2021
Video Explainer: Carbon Pricing 101
A video overview of carbon pricing explains the basics of how this policy tool works, the different types, and the implications it has for people, the economy, and the environment.
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 — Oct 11, 2021
Carbon Tax Push Reappears Amid Democrats' Budget Negotiations
The Houston Chronicle cites RFF modeling to show how a carbon tax could help the United States reach President Biden's clean energy goals.
Media Highlight — Aug 9, 2021
Carbon Pricing with Dr. Marc Hafstead
Senior Fellow Marc Hafstead joins the Sustainability Defined podcast to discuss different carbon pricing systems to reduce emissions.
Press Release — May 26, 2021
With a Detailed Model, the Positive Economic Effects of a Carbon Tax Come to Light
By considering the effects of a carbon tax on business creation and clean technology adoption, a new model finds that a tax creates a mild positive effect on economic activity and negligible effects on unemployment.
Resources Radio — Jun 22, 2021
Do Carbon Taxes Hurt the Economy?, with Gilbert Metcalf
Gilbert Metcalf describes how a modest carbon price could impact GDP, employment, and companies’ willingness to invest in clean energy.
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.