I think they’re both right about some things. I do agree with a carbon tax, because it forces the issue: well, I have to pay more for my carbon-emission energy anyway, and it will eventually probably add up to more than the cost of investment in clean energy. . . and logic, hopefully, follows. Although, I would hope that if the carbon tax were residential, apartment-dwellers would be exempt from this tax; since I cannot create renewable energy for the building that I don’t own, I would think that my landlord should be responsible for paying the carbon tax for not updating his building. In turn, should he decide to install renewable energy, he could add money to my rent to help pay for these costs (since I would be paying less, if any, for my electric).
On the other hand, Mr. Gingrich is right about offering incentive to people who don’t necessarily have the kind of cash to invest in an entire business based around their terrific ideas. Brilliant minds are not necessarily placed in wealthy bodies; brilliant minds are also not necessarily focused toward green energy. Offering prizes for specific innovations would get people throwing their hat into the ring who may not otherwise turn their attention to the task.
I think they’re both right about some things. I do agree with a carbon tax, because it forces the issue: well, I have to pay more for my carbon-emission energy anyway, and it will eventually probably add up to more than the cost of investment in clean energy. . . and logic, hopefully, follows. Although, I would hope that if the carbon tax were residential, apartment-dwellers would be exempt from this tax; since I cannot create renewable energy for the building that I don’t own, I would think that my landlord should be responsible for paying the carbon tax for not updating his building. In turn, should he decide to install renewable energy, he could add money to my rent to help pay for these costs (since I would be paying less, if any, for my electric).
On the other hand, Mr. Gingrich is right about offering incentive to people who don’t necessarily have the kind of cash to invest in an entire business based around their terrific ideas. Brilliant minds are not necessarily placed in wealthy bodies; brilliant minds are also not necessarily focused toward green energy. Offering prizes for specific innovations would get people throwing their hat into the ring who may not otherwise turn their attention to the task.