A reader argues that I should not equate traditional enviornmental activist support for energy taxes with environmentalist support for higher energy prices. This would be a fair point except for the fact that environmental activists have supported energy taxes because such taxes would increase prices and reduce consumption. Higher prices, particularly forof carbon-based fuels, is their explicit policy aim. Thus, it is hypocritical for environmentalists to criticize the administration for not adopting policies that will reduce energy prices.