[en] Observers of the emission allowance market, noting the relatively few trades to date, fear that utilities have been deterred by the tax consequences. Their thinking runs like this: Because allocated allowances carry a zero-cost tax basis, the proceeds from sale are fully taxable and the utility receives only the after-tax value. On the other hand, if the utility banks allowances and uses them for compliance on its own plant, it realizes its entire investment. Thus, market price comparisons for emissions allowances should be adjusted to reflect this tax penalty. This argument may sounds plausible, but as a general rule it's not true