Emission measures cut carbon, boost economy

Ten northeastern states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative have cut carbon emissions from energy use by nearly 18 percent from 2000 to 2009. At the same time, total economic output per capita grew 87 percent faster than the rest of the United States.

A report compiled by Environment Connecticut found that the six New England states, plus New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware, realized a combined $1.6 billion in consumer savings since signing the pollution-controlling initiative, according to the Hartford Courant. Taxing polluters has not stifled economic growth, but rather put contractors, electricians and weatherizers to work.

“Those [carbon-tax] payments are invested in programs to install more efficient lighting, heating and power-generating equipment,” said Johanna Neumann, regional director of Environment Connecticut.