October 2021 APEC Southern Illinois KiloWatch

APEC-Southern Illinois is pleased to announce the very first KiloWatch- a new monthly short form/article, from a rotating cast of contributors. The “ Monthly Kilowatch” is intended to briefly add Chapter content on various topics of interest; typically drawing on news articles, trade group postings, third party newsletters, etc.

Carbon Pricing
October 1, 2021
By Jaimee Chen

Over the last decade, carbon pricing has emerged and gained traction in climate policy. Although not implemented in the state of Illinois, numerous states have/are beginning to introduce carbon pricing.

Carbon pricing is an approach to reducing carbon emissions by placing a price on greenhouse gas emissions whether that is through cap-and-trade or a direct tax. Instead of dictating who should reduce emissions, the aim is that putting a price on carbon lets emitters decide for themselves whether to discontinue their activity, reduce emissions, or continue emitting and
pay for it.

There are advantages and disadvantages to every approach on climate policy, so it is important to understand how carbon pricing can impact you and the world around you.