Pass a carbon tax law
Calls to Action
According to The Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, pricing carbon dioxide emissions is “the most effective single action” to achieve the state’s emission goals. In 2019, the Legislature appropriated $150,000 to complete a comprehensive carbon tax study. Advocates applauded, saying the study is the right first step to glean necessary information to implement a tax, particularly on how the revenue could be directed. Options vary, such as a structure that does not disproportionately affect low-to-moderate income communities by offsetting their costs, or directing money to climate change adaptation needs to make communities safer and more resilient. If the findings lead to a statewide carbon tax, Hawai‘i would be the first state to enact such a policy, making it even more important to have a plan that others could emulate. Once it’s completed, knowledge should be put into action.
