The Post told readers that critics of proposals to limit greenhouse gas emissions: “say that curbing greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change could lead to higher energy prices.” Actually, proponents claim that curbs on emissions will lead to higher energy prices also. That is how you get people to use less energy.

The critics and proponents differ in what they claim about the impact of higher energy prices. The critics assert that higher energy prices will have a devastating impact on the economy. The proponents argue that the impact would be relatively minor (much smaller than the impact of the Iraq War). Furthermore, rebating much of the revenue raised through a cap and trade system can help to ensure that most families feel little impact from higher energy prices.

This article badly misrepresented the real issues that are being debated.

–Dean Baker

Dean Baker is senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research in Washington, D.C. He is the author of several books, including Rigged: How Globalization and the Rules of the Modern Economy Were Structured to Make the Rich Richer. Read more about Dean.