The Carbon Tax Center is out with a new report timed to the surging climate movement. We surveyed all 50 U.S. states (and Washington, DC) to identify the ones with the most favorable conditions for enacting a statewide carbon tax. Joining the report is a toolkit to help advocates push for a carbon tax in their state.

Campaigns for state carbon taxes educate the public and advance the idea on the policy map. A carbon tax in one or more states will create facts on the ground that can appeal to Left and Right alike and upend the climate stalemate.

The world’s leading climate experts agree that putting a price on carbon emissions is essential for slowing and eventually stopping global warming. The artificial marketplace advantage of unpriced carbon pollution has helped coal, oil and gas gain a stranglehold over our economic system and social structures. Charging these fuels for their climate damage is the fastest path to the clean energy future that we need to protect our cities, coasts and civilization from climate devastation.

Enacting a carbon tax in a single state can be a gateway toward the ultimate remedy: a national carbon tax. Look at Canada, where a successful carbon tax in British Columbia, that country’s third largest province, prompted Prime Minister Trudeau to commit the nation to carbon pricing starting next year.

None of the world’s five top emitters — China, United States, Russia, India, Japan — has a carbon tax covering even a province or state. Yet the grassroots movement to end the fossil fuel era has never been stronger, as evidenced by last weekend’s Marches for Science and the anticipated massive April 29 People’s Climate March.

Below are thumbnails of the eight states we determined have the best prospects for enacting carbon taxes. Our map shows another six states with carbon tax “potential” along with eleven more where only one barrier (e.g., an apparently legal impediment) stands in the way.

Residents of these states — indeed, residents of all states — must speak up, advocate, and demand that their lawmakers take action; in many states citizens can also act directly through ballot measures. Our report and toolkit explain where, why and how.

The Eight Strongest Prospects For State Carbon Taxes (listed alphabetically)

Connecticut

Low industrial-sector emissions

Climate-concerned legislature and citizenry

A carbon tax bill has been introduced in the legislature

Experience with carbon pricing through participation in a regional carbon-pricing system

District of Columbia

Zero industrial-sector CO2 emissions

Citizens are very liberal and climate-supportive

Carbon taxes have polled above 50%

Relatively high solar power deployment

Ballot measure option available

Active carbon tax campaign underway

Hawaii

Low industrial-sector emissions

Very liberal citizenry and legislature

#1 state in per-capita solar power

Excellent opportunities for renewable energy in general

Carbon taxes have polled above 50%

Illinois

Citizens and legislature are liberal-to-very-liberal and supportive on climate issues

State ranks #4 in polling support for a carbon tax (just below 50%)

Maryland

Low industrial-sector emissions

Liberal citizenry and legislature

#9 among 50 states in per-capita solar power deployment

Experience with carbon pricing through participation in a regional carbon-pricing system

Massachusetts

Very low industrial-sector emissions

Very liberal citizenry and legislature

Strong voter climate concern

#5 among 50 states in per-capita solar power deployment

Strong and well-crafted carbon tax measures are advancing in both houses of the legislature

Experience with carbon pricing through participation in a regional carbon-pricing system

New York

Very low industrial-sector emissions

Very liberal citizenry

Legislature is generally supportive on climate issues

#2 ranking among 50 states in polling support for carbon taxes

Experience with carbon pricing through participation in a regional carbon-pricing system

Washington

Low industrial-sector emissions

Citizens and legislature are liberal and fairly concerned about climate

Fielded first U.S. carbon tax ballot measure last fall

Ongoing efforts for carbon tax legislation by popular governor, members of the legislature and strong citizens organizations