(University of Oregon Law School, 2009) Kwak, Daniel E.
This Comment examines the current federal energy tax policy as
amended by the recent legislation. Additionally, by comparing and
contrasting the federal policy with tax policies adopted by other
governments, this Comment both suggests additional reforms in the
current policy and argues for the passage of a carbon tax. Part I of
this Comment provides a background and overview of the history of
energy tax policy in the United States. Part II discusses recent
legislative changes to the current policy. Parts III and IV compare
facets of the energy tax policies adopted by Oregon and countries in
Europe. Finally, Part V suggests changes to the new legislation and
argues for the introduction of a carbon tax to help offset the increased
federal deficit resulting from the new legislation’s high price tag.
