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Karl W. Smith

The Conservative Case for a Carbon Tax

Free-market solutions deserve a place in the climate debate — and appeal to young Republicans.

Republicans need a comprehensive plan, too.

Republicans need a comprehensive plan, too.

Photographer: Alex Wong/Getty Images North America
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Republicans have long been nearly united in their opposition to any comprehensive effort to reduce climate change. Part of the opposition is political: They may be making the calculation that, although voters are worried about the issue, actual carbon-pricing programs have not always fared so well at the polls.

But a significant part of Republican opposition is philosophical: They are worried about opening the door to a centrally planned economy. For the sake of the planet — and their party — they need to let this go.