The Discussion Papers series presents results from ongoing research projects and other research and analysis by SSB staff, intended for international journals or books. The views and conclusions in this document are those of the author(s).
To date, stated preference methods have rarely been used to analyse this issue and, when used, have focused only on households’ acceptance. We conduct two identical national choice experiment surveys of Norwegian households and companies, respectively, including carbon tax levels and associated emission reductions and different revenue recycling options as attributes. We find that acceptance for higher tax levels increases among both groups if revenue finances climate mitigation measures. There is some heterogeneity among the groups with regard to using revenue to reduce different dimensions of inequality. Simulating policy options, we find acceptance for the highest carbon tax among both groups when revenue is used both to finance climate mitigation measures and to reduce rural-urban inequalities. This policy option points to an acceptable carbon tax close to an estimated level necessary for reaching the most ambitious climate target set by the Norwegian government. An effective carbon tax level can potentially be achieved in Norway with modest efficiency costs to alleviate inequality.