Could a Carbon Tax Improve Utah's Air Quality and Mitigate Climate Change?

Authors

Rose Cameron
Kendall Becker, Utah State UniversityFollow
Alexi Elizabeth Lamm, Utah State UniversityFollow
Scott Hotaling, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

9-11-2024

First Page

1

Last Page

5

Abstract

Urban areas in Utah have suffered from poor air quality since Euro-American settlement in 1847. Because today’s harmful air pollutants and carbon dioxide—the most significant driver of contemporary climate change—are often emitted together, a carbon tax could improve air quality while also mitigating climate change. Here, we explore how Sweden has successfully implemented a carbon tax and consider the viability of a similar approach for Utah. While a carbon tax would pressure Utah’s transportation and energy sectors to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, revenue from the tax could finance renewable energy infrastructure to support companies transitioning away from fossil fuels while simultaneously improving Utah’s air quality.

Recommended Citation

Cameron, R., Becker, K., Lamm, A., & Hotaling, S. (2024). Could a carbon tax improve Utah's air quality and mitigate climate change? [Fact sheet]. Utah State University Extension.