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A ConocoPhillips refinery in Wilmington, California.
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The world needs to reduce carbon levels, and one way is through a carbon tax, a strategy the U.S. has been debating for decades.   

With urgent calls to lower greenhouse gas emissions globally, putting a price on carbon was one of the major points of discussion among world leaders at the COP26 conference in Glasgow earlier this month. Consensus on a global carbon price is growing, according to Lord Greg Barker, executive chairman at EN+ and co-chair of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition. 

“We need countries to come together to agree on international standards in order to make that big shift to the low carbon economy,” Barker told CNBC in an interview from COP26 last week. ”It would be much better for the world if there was a common carbon price.” 

As of now, Barker says there are 69 countries with a carbon price ranging from $1 to $139 per metric ton. The U.S. is not one of them.  

Barker told CNBC most economists agree that carbon pricing is the most effective tool there is to transition to a low carbon economy. Carbon pricing shifts the liability for the consequences of climate change to the polluters who are responsible, according to the World Bank.

The Biden administration has outlined $555 billion in spending to confront climate change, though the plan does not address carbon pricing. The bill does include a proposed methane fee incentivizing oil and gas companies to reduce their methane emissions. 

A policy to apply a carbon tax was considered as a “plan B” during negotiations over the current climate package, according to the New York Times, after Biden’s clean electricity program was cut from the spending bill last month.

If the U.S. administration can’t get behind the rest of the world on carbon pricing, there are other ways to follow through with the initiative, says Barker, such as regulations, taxes, and emissions trading. 

The U.S. has considered carbon import fees and emissions trading that would apply to carbon-intensive products imported to the country. “But carbon import fees only make sense if you have some kind of domestic U.S. carbon policy,” says Richard Newell, president of Resources for the Future, a nonpartisan energy and environment research organization.   

He thinks a price on carbon ultimately is achievable as part of U.S. policy as the world grapples with the seriousness of climate change and turns more to financial incentives to reach a low-carbon ecosystem that supports the entire economy.

The Biden administration has a government-wide plan addressing how climate change could affect all sectors of the U.S. economy. The plan was part of a larger agenda to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and transition to a net-zero emissions economy.  

“There is also going to be a desire to raise revenue to deal with climate change, and for other public purposes, and carbon pricing does all those things,” Newell said. He added that while an economy-wide carbon fee would be the best solution, the administration could start by applying carbon fees to individual sectors. 

As the U.S. decarbonizes areas like the power sector and automotive sector, Newell says pressure on government regulation will intensify. “There will be an increasing recognition that to really decarbonize the economy, across all sectors, there is going to be a need for some comprehensive policies,” he said.

“There has been a significant shift across the country in terms of the seriousness with which people and legislators are confronting climate change,” Newell said. ”And that will continue to build beyond the focus on particular sectors.”  

The debate over a carbon pricing mechanism right now takes place at a time of rising concerns about inflation and prices at the gas pump that have led to discussions about whether the government should tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The methane fee sparked a debate with some worrying that raising the price of methane would increase electric and heating costs for individual consumers.  

Fears of rising prices for low-income households and increasing costs for businesses will need to be considered. 

“If politicians are smart and anticipate that they need to compensate, say families that might see their bills go up as a result of a carbon price, you can drive [carbon pricing] through,” Barker said.  

In a plan put together by the Climate Leadership Council, a climate advocacy group co-founded by former Secretary of State James Baker, who served in the Bush and Reagan administrations, the idea isn’t to fund government efforts to fight climate. The Climate Leadership Council’s plan outlines that revenue collected from a carbon fee is “to be returned to American households,” said Carlton Carroll, Climate Leadership Council spokesperson.  

“Nothing would do more to accelerate innovation and invest all citizens in a clean energy future than an economy-wide carbon fee, with corresponding dividends for the American people,” Carroll said. 

The group’s carbon dividends plan cites four major benefits to consumers, including an increase in household disposable income nationwide.  

Increasing carbon pricing could be done by taxing greenhouse-gas intensive goods and services, like gasoline, or by taxing carbon emitters individually. The Climate Leadership Council is among groups advocating for pricing carbon-intensive goods as part of a U.S. climate plan, “because it will go further, faster than any other single climate policy intervention,” says Carroll, “while also driving innovation throughout the economy and making families better off financially.” 

Historically, there has been some bipartisan support for a carbon tax. The first carbon pricing proposal was introduced in 1990, and there have been several other propositions since. Though none have passed, Newell said the most recent carbon pricing proposal in Biden’s social safety and climate plan piqued the interest of Congress far more than anticipated. 

The carbon tax proposed as part of the Build Back Better plan would impose a $20 fee per metric ton of carbon.

“I would say there was a surprisingly strong interest in a carbon fee as part of the ongoing budget reconciliation process,” Newell said. 

But Mindy Lubber, CEO of sustainability investment organization Ceres, told CNBC earlier this year that while a carbon tax is one way to prevent the U.S. from being locked into a fossil fuels economy and spur the development of new energy and transportation systems, it has proven controversial in the past, and is a complicated policy tool, making it harder for all sides to reach agreement on, especially in a Senate where the votes are so tight.

A carbon tax could be closer than some people think, says Flannery Winchester, spokeswoman for the progressive Citizens Climate Lobby. ”It has gone from a hopeful idea to one that is on the verge of becoming a reality,” she said.  

The White House and 49 senators were on board with a carbon tax, but not the key vote from West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. 

“But there is clearly a lot more consensus than there’s ever been that this policy is effective for meeting America’s climate goals,” Winchester said. 

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Electric Bike Co. Model C and J e-bikes at $1,499 annual lows, Exclusive refurbished Anker SOLIX C1000X station $377, Heybike, and much more

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September 3, 2025

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Electric Bike Co. Model C and J e-bikes at ,499 annual lows, Exclusive refurbished Anker SOLIX C1000X station 7, Heybike, and much more

The savings train is still on the Labor Day track, as Electric Bike Co. extends its holiday flash sale on the Model J e-bike while adding the Model C e-bike with BMX handlebars to the mix – with both models now down at $1,499 after using the provided promo codes. From there, we secured an exclusive deal for a refurbished Anker SOLIX C1000X Portable Power Station at $377, and Heybike has switched to its End of Summer Sale, which is offering the second-ever chance on the Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike extra battery bundle at its $1,199 low. We also have Govee’s latest outdoor garden lights returning to their second-best price, Worx’s 20V 5-inch mini chainsaw, and more waiting for you below. Plus, there are all the hangover deals collected at the bottom of the page, with ongoing Labor Day deals still available in our curated holiday Green Deals hub here.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Electric Bike Co. extends Labor Day flash sale on BMX Model C and Model J e-bikes at best prices of the year for $1,499

Electric Bike Co. has extended its Labor Day Flash Sale that includes the Model J e-bike at $1,499 shipped, after using the promo code LABOR150 at checkout, which we first spotted getting a discount on the holiday, and now includes the Model C e-bike for $1,499 shipped, after also using the promo code LABOR150 at checkout. The latter of these two commuters goes for $1,899 at full price, which we’ve only seen fall as low as $1,599 in past years, while keeping above $1,649 in 2025. You’re looking at a combined $400 markdown that lands the cost $100 under the previous low that last popped up in early 2024, giving folks a short-term window at the best new price that we have tracked. You’ll also be getting a free bell and 3X PowerBoost Smart SuperCharger ($321 value) thrown in for $721 in total savings.

Originally based on the now-discontinued Model A series, this Model C e-bike from Electric Bike Co. arrives sporting custom BMX-style handlebars alongside the revamped (and still classic) beach cruiser design. It brings along a 500W rear hub motor that may be limited to a 750W peak depending on where you live, with it otherwise able to peak at 1,250W – plus, there’s the 14Ah battery that powers everything and delivers up to 60 miles of pedal-assisted travel at up to 20 MPH speeds (or unlocked 28 MPH speeds, once again depending on your local laws).

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Of course, you can expect other solid features coming along for the ride too, including the puncture-resistant tires, the 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, integrated front and rear LED lighting, a rear cargo rack, a throttle for pure electric riding, an LCD color screen for setting adjustments, as well as a USB port to charge up your phone or other devices, and more.

Just remember, whether you want to pick up Electric Bike Co.’s Model J e-bike or the Model C e-bike during this flash sale, just be sure to use the promo code LABOR150 at checkout to score the maximum savings.

man and woman running towards water on beach behind Anker's SOLIX C1000X portable power station

Exclusive: Anker’s refurb SOLIX C1000X 1,056Wh power station at $377 (Reg. up to $799 new)

We secured an exclusive deal from Welbots that gives our readers a refurbished Anker SOLIX C1000X Portable Power Station for $377.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5ANK10 at checkout. Normally the site would charge you $479 for this unit at full price, which we’re seeing start off with a cut to $419, which isn’t too much under the $429 all-time low on a new model we last saw in February. You’ll not only be saving a total of $102 here, but you’ll be getting this at the best price we can find anywhere. What’s more, Wellbots is promising a 2-year warranty along with your purchase, with it being shipped in a “pristine” condition.

If you want to learn more about this power station’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this exclusive deal here.

man and woman on beach with Heybike's Mars 2.0 folding fat-tire e-bikes
Photo: BLUETTI

Heybike has switched over to its End of Summer Sale event that is seeing up to $649 in savings across a condensed e-bike list, with many of them also receiving free bundled gear too. Among the offers, we’re seeing a second-time chance at Heybike’s Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike coming with an extra battery for double the mileage at $1,199 shipped, with the option to forgo the bundle and get the standard e-bike’s package with a front and rear basket starting from $999 shipped. Normally, this twice-offered bundle with the battery would cost $1,848 without any savings, which we first saw pop up two weeks ago in the early days of the brand’s Labor Day Sale. It’s coming back around here, likely in an ongoing response to the release of the new upgraded Mars 3.0 e-bike, giving you $649 in total savings at the lowest price we have tracked. Head below for more on this model and the others seeing discounts in this sale.

If you want to learn more about this particular e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

flower beds lit up in color with Govee's Outdoor Garden Lights

Add more vibrant color to flower beds with Govee’s Matter-ready Outdoor Garden Lights 2-pack at $150

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Govee is giving folks another chance at the second-best price on its new Outdoor Garden Lights Two-Pack back at $149.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page coupon, which once again beats out the direct website pricing by $10. This new device is still fresh onto the scene, having only been on the market since June and normally going for $200 at full price. The discounts in the time since have seen two previous falls to this same rate, while keeping higher at $177, $160, or more the rest of the time – with a single drop to the $140 low we only saw during July’s Prime Day event. You’re looking at the third-ever chance to pick up this two-pack at the second-best price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about these new outdoor lighting devices, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

man trimming tree branch with Worx 20V 5-inch mini chainsaw

Make up to 100 cuts, even in tight spaces, with Worx’s 20V 5-inch mini cordless chainsaw at $90

Amazon is offering the Worx 20V 5-inch Mini Cordless Chainsaw at $90.33 shipped. It’s down from its $130 full price tag, which we’ve mostly seen dropping to $100 over the last few months, though costs have occasionally fallen lower to $89, $85, and the one-time $84 low that appeared during July’s Prime Day event. Things are down among its lowest rates right now, with the 31% markdown here cutting $40 off the going rate for the best price since Prime Day.

If you want to learn more about this mini chainsaw, as well as its upgraded Nitro variant, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man approaching Lectric ONE e-bike on pavement
two men riding Lectric's XP4 e-bikes

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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Toyota announces another new EV, but this one will be unique

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September 3, 2025

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Toyota announces another new EV, but this one will be unique

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The world’s largest automaker, Toyota, just announced plans for another new electric vehicle. This one isn’t just another EV. It marks a new milestone for Toyota as it expands its lineup.

Toyota will build a new EV in Europe, its first

Toyota announced plans to build the new EV at its plant in the Czech Republic on Wednesday. It will be the first electric vehicle produced at one of Toyota’s European plants, marking the start of a new era.

To accommodate the new model, Toyota is investing about €680 million ($800 million) to expand the facility from 152,000 to 173,000 square meters. The upgrades will include a new paint and welding shop, in addition to a dedicated battery assembly facility.

The Czech government is providing up to €64 million ($75 million) in funding for a new dedicated EV battery assembly plant.

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Lukáš Vlček, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, said the initiative is “the result of a series of negotiations in both Europe and Japan” and will play a key role in the country’s transition to clean mobility.

Toyota-new-EV-first
Toyota Aygo X Hybrid (Source: Toyota)

Toyota currently builds the Aygo X and Yaris Hybrid at its Czech plant with an annual production capacity of around 220,000 vehicles.

Adding the new EV to the mix could boost output at the facility, Toyota said, which will lead to more jobs and a stronger supply chain.

Toyota-new-EV-first
From left to right: Toyota’s new C-HR+, bZ4X, and Urban Cruiser electric SUVs (Source: Toyota Europe)

Although Toyota is keeping most details secret for now, a Nikkei report claimed in July that, not one, but several EVs will be built at the facility.

Toyota’s Czech plant will become a “mega hub” for new EVs, starting with crossovers and SUVs. This year, Toyota is launching the updated bZ4X, Ch-R+, and Urban Cruiser.

Toyota-new-bZ4X-C-HR+-Urban-Cruiser-EVs
From left to right: Toyota’s new C-HR+, bZ4X, and Urban Cruiser electric SUVs (Source: Toyota Europe)

In 2026, three more will follow. And that doesn’t include the three new Lexus EV models set to launch by the end of next year.

Although Toyota was the second best-selling brand in Europe in the first half of the year, behind Volkswagen, Chinese EV makers like BYD are starting to gain ground with lower-cost models.

By building electric vehicles, batteries, and other components locally, Toyota aims to stay competitive in Europe. Production at Toyota’s Czech plant is expected to start as early as 2028.


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US residential solar prices stay low, tax credit cuts and tariffs loom

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September 3, 2025

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US residential solar prices stay low, tax credit cuts and tariffs loom

residential solar
Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels.com

The US residential solar market hit a bumpy patch in the first half of 2025, according to the newly released 21st EnergySage Intel: Solar & Storage Marketplace Report. The semiannual report digs into millions of data points from EnergySage.com, where homeowners shop for solar panels, inverters, and batteries. This edition also includes EnergySage’s annual Electrification Contractor Survey, fielded between January and March 2025.

After a strong 2024 that drove solar and storage prices to all-time lows, the first half of 2025 shows a mix of momentum and uncertainty. Homeowners are still eager to go solar, but shifting federal policies, tariffs, and tightening trade restrictions are creating headwinds for contractors and installers. The industry continues to expand, but this transition year may change how projects are financed, supplied, and built.

Solar prices stay low, battery costs rose modestly. Solar prices stayed at their record-low median of $2.48 per watt in the first half of 2025, unchanged from H2 2024. Installers absorbed financing pressures rather than raising prices before policy changes kicked in. Meanwhile, battery storage saw a 4% price increase as new tariffs on Chinese battery components took hold, the first bump after two years of declines.

Emily Walker, EnergySage’s director of insights, explained: “Although we expect changes to federal tariffs and trade policies to affect prices in the second half of 2025, the snapshot from the first half of the year shows us that, with the right public policy, solar is accessible to many homeowners now – and will continue to be in the future.”

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Financing shifts as third-party ownership gains ground. Loan rates climbed to a median of 7.5% in the first half of 2025. About 38% of contractors reported lower demand for loans, while nearly all (94%) said cash buyers held steady or increased. Because Trump’s big bill (OBBBA) protects tax credits for third-party ownership (TPO) systems longer than for purchased ones, TPO is expected to gain major ground in 2026.

Walker added, “Even as higher interest rates have made traditional loan financing less attractive, we’re seeing that demand for solar hasn’t gone away; it’s simply shifting. We expect attractive new financing models to emerge next year, which will keep residential solar adoption moving forward.”

Contractors are worried about challenges. An overwhelming 92% of contractors said losing the federal solar tax credit would hurt their business, and 70% expect negative impacts due to new equipment tariffs. Over a third already reported reduced profitability from higher interest rates. On top of that, 84% cited rising labor costs, and 79% said their business depends heavily on solar-related revenue. Many are now rethinking how to adapt for the post-tax credit era.

“Solar contractors across the country have voiced deep concern about what lies ahead for the industry,” Walker said. “With key incentives set to change, many are already rethinking their business models to adapt and remain competitive. The companies that find new ways to reach homeowners and offer value will be best positioned to weather this transition.”

Read more: H1 2025: China installs more solar than rest of the world combined

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.


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