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Carbon Pricing Studies

Carbon Pricing Studies

Studies show that putting a revenue-neutral price on pollution will be good for people, the economy, and the environment.

These carbon pricing studies show that an economy-wide carbon price with  money allocated to Americans to spend with no restrictions will have positive impacts on America’s climate, health, and pocketbooks.

This 2019 study by Columbia University models the impact of the 2019 Energy Innovation Act on U.S. carbon emissions, air pollution, and household dividend payments:

This carbon pricing study, conducted by Regional Economic Modeling, Inc. (REMI) in 2013, looks at the broad impacts of carbon fee and dividend across the environment, economy, and health:

How will a price on carbon impact individual households? This study examines household impacts across regional and demographic factors. Conducted by Kevin Ummel in 2020:

How does the money from a carbon tax get allocated to Americans? This study evaluates options and identifies an effective and efficient method. Conducted by economist Allen H. Lerman in 2018:

This 2023 study published in Nature Climate Change found that “the adoption of carbon pricing in one country can explain the subsequent adoption of carbon pricing in other countries.”

This 2023 working paper published in the National Bureau of Economic Research examined carbon pricing systems in Europe. The paper found, “Countries that do not recycle revenues experience a substantial economic downturn while countries that recycle revenues only display a muted impact on economic activity,” which supports the importance of carbon cashback.

This 2023 study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production found that “the adoption of carbon pricing policies is associated with an increase in patent applications for climate mitigation technologies.” In other words, carbon pricing spurs innovation.

This 2023 study published in the Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists found that carbon pricing in California reduced other air pollution and improved public health across the state, including in frontline communities.


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A carbon price is the single most powerful tool available to reduce America’s carbon pollution.

Congress is preparing to take action on climate change. In preparation, the following carbon pricing bills have been introduced in the 116th and 117th Congress (2020-2021):