By the way the city is feverishly writing parking tickets, it seems like Orleans Parish is in need of some new revenue streams. One possible green solution would be to mimic the actions of Maryland’s Montgomery County Council, who just a few weeks ago passed a Carbon Tax.

Montgomery County is the first in the nation to pass such a forward thinking tax. Although, this tax will only apply to one coal powered energy plant, it is a step in the right direction. A Carbon Tax defined as a “tax on carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels.”

This action may be viewed as anti-business, it places a value on carbon emissions and will encourage big business spend less by polluting less. Keith Harrington was present at the counsel vote in Maryland and his blog post describes a riot like atmosphere.

South Louisiana is not a beacon for its green initiatives, but we have many polluters with deep pockets. Ideas like the one in Montgomery County could spur much needed income for cash strapped, cities, parishes, and the state government.

This innovative idea by the Maryland County has caught the eye of green leaders like former Vice-President, Al Gore in a recent post. According to Gore, other cities have passed similar taxes but Montgomery is the first County. Who will be the first State?

With all of the talk in South Louisiana being focused on the oil spill and cleaning up the damage to our environment, government leaders should be looking for proactive means to put Louisiana back in a positive light. Passage of similar types of litigation is good for the air we breathe and our pocketbook.

For more information on Carbon Taxes visit the Carbon Tax Center.