A coalition of environmental, business and low-income advocates are pushing for Vermont to adopt a carbon tax and to use the money both for energy efficiency and for tax cuts elsewhere.
The Vermont Public Interest Research Group says a tax of $50 per metric ton of carbon pollution - that's equal to about 9 cents per gallon at the pump - phased in over 10 years would raise $35 million in the first year. It would raise $250 million in the 10th year.
A portion of the revenue would go to low-income Vermonters to boost energy conservation measures.
Gov. Peter Shumlin says he's skeptical of Vermont adopting a carbon tax by itself, and would prefer a regional solution.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
