Skip to content

Carbon Fee and Dividend

Carbon pricing is the single most powerful tool available to reduce carbon pollution in the United States. We advocate for a carbon fee and dividend with a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), to lower emissions and deliver abundant and affordable clean energy to Americans.

Impacts of Carbon Fee and Dividend

  • Reduces Emissions: Puts the United States on track to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • Cleans Our Air and Water: Reduce sulfur dioxide and mercury emissions from power plants by 95% and nitrogen oxides emissions by 75% by 2030. These toxic air pollutants cause smog, cardiovascular damage, and asthma. Moreover, these toxic air pollutants are disproportionately emitted in low-income and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities.
  • Saves Lives: The resulting decrease in pollution would save 4.5 million lives in the next 50 years, impacting communities of color in particular.
  • Supports Families: A carbon tax becomes affordable for ordinary people when the money collected from fossil fuel companies is given back as a dividend, or “carbon cash back” payment. Studies into the economics of a carbon tax show that monthly carbon cash back payments are enough to cover increased costs of 85% of American households.
  • Gives American Companies a Competitive Edge: Carbon border adjustment mechanisms provide a financial incentive for cleaner companies around the world. U.S. companies are generally cleaner and more carbon-efficient than their competitors overseas, especially in China and India, so carbon border adjustments make U.S. companies more competitive.

Learn more about the benefits of carbon pricing.

Public Support

Find community leaders in your area who have endorsed putting a price on carbon, or carbon fee and dividend.