In this final episode of Cash, Carbon, & Common Sense, I explore why natural gas is so popular in U.S. homes, the dangers behind leaks and carbon monoxide, and whether local governments — including South Carolina — should regulate its use.

You’ll learn the economics, science, and policy behind natural gas, plus one last fun fact to close the series.

In this episode of Cash, Carbon, & Common Sense, I explore how economics can clean up South Carolina’s waste problem — from global recycling incentives to local solutions. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and why cash might just be the key to a cleaner planet.

Description: Why does gas cost so much more in Europe than in the U.S.? In this episode, host Will breaks down the economics of gasoline taxes — exploring why European countries keep prices high, why the U.S. struggles with the idea of higher gas taxes, and what alternatives might actually work to cut emissions. Along the way, you’ll hear some fun facts about fuel, emissions, and the politics of the pump.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Europe taxes gasoline so heavily — and the advantages of this policy.
• The disadvantages of raising federal gas taxes in the United States.
• Alternatives to gas taxes, from carbon pricing to clean energy incentives.
• How economics can help us weigh the costs and benefits of fuel policy.

Fun Fact Highlight: 💡 The U.S. federal gas tax has been 18.4 cents per gallon since 1993. Adjusted for inflation, it would be more than 40 cents today!