“Australia’s recent vote to repeal its tax on carbon dioxide emissions is a setback to establishing a similar charge in the U.S., both sides in the debate agree,” The Hill reports.  

“Australia started taxing carbon in 2012, one of about 40 jurisdictions to do so, before reversing course last week and becoming the first country to repeal the penalty. In the United States, environmentalists and their allies in Congress have pushed for a tax on carbon for years, most recently with a bill backed by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and others.”  

“The idea has faced stiff opposition from Republicans and business interests who decry its costs and question if carbon dioxide from human activity causes climate change. Both sides, though, say that Australia’s reversal will make it harder to pass such a measure here.”