This week British Columbia passed North America's first carbon tax, a big step toward tying sustainability, transportation and market forces. Why can't the rest of Cascadia build on the example?
The tax has been in the works for a while but I missed the passage until I arrived in Vancouver Friday night and noticed it was all over the papers and TV. Looking back, I can't find a single reference in mainstream Seattle-area media.
This policy is huge news because it stands to begin discouraging emissions while making taxation more progressive. Here are some interesting first takes:
-- There are some links to more details and praise for the potential environmental impact here.
-- The business community is glad that there's finally a law, according to yesterday's Globe and Mail.
-- The Tyee looks at whether the tax is fair, here.
-- Progressive Economics points out some flaws yet ends up praising the idea here.