Does the country need a big gas tax?

Even though energy prices are cheap, many say a straight-up tax on oil and coal is the best way to stop global warming and move the country to cleaner fuels.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — To save the planet and move away from imported fuel, some say a big energy tax is the best way to go.

If the nation is going to develop fuel alternatives that will clean the air, limit global warming and make it energy independent, making fossil fuels more expensive is essential, supporters say.


Otherwise, fossil fuels are just too cheap to let alternatives emerge on a big scale.

And many say that with gas and oil prices currently so low, it’s the ideal time to push through a hefty tax. Besides, they say eventually we’re going to be paying more for our energy, so it is important to stimulate the development of alternatives now before an energy crisis strikes.

CNN