Putting a tax on carbon emissions from fossil fuels isn’t a new idea. Many governments worldwide now implement either direct taxes on fossil fuels, or have set up cap-and-trade programs. This includes Canada, Mexico, many European countries, and the United Kingdom.

The United States does not have a carbon tax, although nine northeastern states now cap emissions from the power industry.

A grassroots organization called the Citizens' Climate Lobby has been working for years to convince the U.S. Congress to put a price on carbon pollution. My guest, Kalpana Sutaria, is a member of the organization and dedicates her time to persuading people to support a carbon tax and dividend plan.