Carbon tax and why is it still being pushed?
Summary
Claire Byrne hosts a debate on the efficacy of carbon taxes with former Green Party advisor Gavin Nugent and Green Party leader Roderick O’Gorman. Nugent argues that while carbon pricing is valid, the current marginal increase is politically toxic and ineffective given high energy prices, advocating for policy agility and targeted energy credits instead. O’Gorman counters that the tax remains essential for changing business behavior and funding critical home retrofit schemes, criticizing the government’s lack of ambition and minimal budget increases. The discussion highlights the tension be…
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Sherwin-Williams Super Sale
Introduction and guest introductions
Debate on whether carbon tax still works
Gavin Nugent: Right tool at the wrong time
Roderick O'Gorman: Revenue for retrofit and fuel allowance
Critique of kerosene tax cut and market volatility
Price signals vs upfront capital costs
Public perception and disproportionate debate
Funding replacement and future revenue projections
Green Party proposal and ETS2 comparison
Revenue ownership and EU ETS2 delays
Proposal to suspend tax during high prices
Public support levels for carbon tax
Business behavior and targeted energy credits
Long-term certainty and household barriers
Show outro
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