Our objective (both as a national goal & in the global arena) should be to show that an advanced national economy can make a balanced (economically sustainable, greenhouse gas emission reducing) transition to a sustainable economy.  A revenue-neutral carbon tax with a legislated scheduled tax rate increases into the indefinite future is the way to proceed.

The regressive impact of the tax can be offset by progressive rebates targeting low & modest income earners.

The fact that tax rates will be high in the long term doesn't have to retard economic activity because it is a steady progression of modest increases that prompts consumers to change their purchase & consumption patterns & prompts manufacturers & retailers to develop & sell greener products.  

We evolve to avoid higher rates and become leaders in efficient & effective emission neutral products in international markets.

It will not be easy, but we'll be ahead of the pack rather than dragged unprofitably from the rear.