Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Raising Eyebrows in Alaska – A Carbon Tax? (Politico, Morning Energy)


(JUNEAU, AK) – Alaska's climate task force wants the oil-rich state to look into instituting a carbon tax, with revenues directed to a green bank and to offset some costs to consumers and companies.

The idea is part of a draft action plan posted by the group, led by Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott, ahead of its meeting Thursday. It also suggests consideration of whether to endorse any national fee and dividend legislation.

The task force said its plan is not a consensus document but is meant to offer a "suite of options" to inform agency efforts. Alaska's Republican-controlled Senate is unlikely to approve a carbon tax.

Mallott, a Democrat, and Gov. Bill Walker, who was previously a Republican and is now independent, ran together on a unity ticket in 2014; they are up for reelection in a close race this year after Walker reduced annual oil checks to residents.