Can we save energy by taxing it

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Technol. Rev.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6585110

Boshier, J F

The political and economic implications of using investment tax credits and energy-source taxes to promote energy conservation are examined and the conclusion is reached that taxes for a controlled increase in energy prices will allow better management of the transition period, but that the proposed conservation tax credit is inadequate to reverse the trend toward energy-intensive equipment. If labor costs fall relative to capital and energy costs, it will be possible to meet the goal of full employment as well as the goal of energy conservation. Policies that promote full employment, such as the wage subsidy, will further these goals, which will also be encouraged by policies to stimulate investment by lowering capital costs. Inconsistencies in the National Energy Plan, such as the policy to increase spendable income, are more likely to increase consumption than conserve energy. Taxes on energy are compared under the three categories of product taxes, general (or Btu) taxes, and tariffs in terms of effectiveness and social, economic, and political effects.

• OSTI ID: 6585110
• Journal Information: Technol. Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Technol. Rev.; (United States) Vol. 80:8; ISSN TEREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
291000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320000 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization
CAPITAL
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ECONOMIC POLICY
ECONOMICS
EMPLOYMENT
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY POLICY
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FUEL CONSUMPTION
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INCOME DISTRIBUTION
INVESTMENT
NATIONAL ENERGY PLAN
SOCIAL IMPACT
TAXES