I consider the annoyance of lighted digital signage a good enough reason to turn them off, and the offense of billboards a sufficient reason to ban them as San Paolo has. I say that for context.
The piecemeal approach to energy regulation is arbitrary and unfair. It introduces political friction with no evidence that it reduces emissions.
Why might it not reduce emissions? Because energy which is produced is consumed. Banning a source of consumption causes marginal affordability.
If the goal is to limit atmospheric carbon, which is laudable: tax carbon. Be sure to apply the proceeds generously to decarbonizing industry, because this will be expensive.
If the goal is to allocate electricity which is scarce due to crisis: tax electricity use progressively. Make businesses which aren't manufacturing submit paperwork for an exemption. They'll turn the lights out at night on their own.
Be sure to apply the proceeds to energy security, because no one is going to like what happens if you don't.
The piecemeal approach to energy regulation is arbitrary and unfair. It introduces political friction with no evidence that it reduces emissions.
Why might it not reduce emissions? Because energy which is produced is consumed. Banning a source of consumption causes marginal affordability.
If the goal is to limit atmospheric carbon, which is laudable: tax carbon. Be sure to apply the proceeds generously to decarbonizing industry, because this will be expensive.
If the goal is to allocate electricity which is scarce due to crisis: tax electricity use progressively. Make businesses which aren't manufacturing submit paperwork for an exemption. They'll turn the lights out at night on their own.
Be sure to apply the proceeds to energy security, because no one is going to like what happens if you don't.