UH Energy Symposium to Consider Carbon Taxes Nov. 10

Tax on Fuels’ Carbon Content Would Link Emissions, Economic Costs

The idea of a carbon tax isn’t new – more than a dozen countries around the world have one in place – but the idea of assessing a fee on fuels based on their carbon content has been controversial in the United States. A panel of speakers will tackle that topic along with other methods of carbon pricing – including cap and trade and regulating carbon – at the University of Houston on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

“Carbon Tax: Is It the Right Time?” is part of the UH Energy Symposium Series, which brings together experts from around the country to talk about critical issues in energy. The discussion starts at 5:30 p.m. in the UH Student Center South.

Generally, carbon taxes correspond to the carbon content, and carbon dioxide emissions, of a particular fuel. Coal, which produces the most carbon dioxide emissions of any fossil fuel, is taxed at a higher rate than oil or natural gas, which produces the fewest carbon dioxide emissions. The taxes don’t guarantee lower emissions but are considered a market-driven way to lower carbon emissions. Other vehicles, including a cap and trade system, which sets a limit on emissions and then creates a market for carbon allowances, have similar goals.  

Speakers include Aparna Mathur, resident scholar in economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute; Bob Nordhaus, a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm Van Ness Feldman LLP; Marvin Odum, president of Shell Oil Company and Upstream Americas director; and H. Leighton Steward, a geologist and director of the CO2 Coalition.    

Dave Fehling, energy and environment reporter for Houston Public Media, will serve as moderator.

 Houston Public Media and the Houston Chronicle’s Fuel Fix energy blog are media partners for the symposium series.

WHAT:                             “Carbon Tax: Is it the Right Time?” moderated discussion in the UH Energy

                                          Symposium Series.

WHO:                                Speakers include Aparna Mathur, resident scholar at the American Enterprise

                                           Enterprise Institute; Bob Nordhaus, lawyer specializing in energy and environmental  

                                           regulation; Marvin Odum, president Shell Oil Company/Upstream Americas director,

                                           and H. Leighton Steward, geologist and environmentalist.

WHEN:                               5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10. 

WHERE:                            UH Student Center South, Houston Room. Parking available in the Welcome Center

                                           garage, 4434 University Drive.

MEDIA CONTACT:            Jeannie Kever, 713-743-0778, m-713-504-3769. jekever@uh.edu

 

Register here.