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| Carbon trading scheme adopts Green ideas, but too slowly |
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| Written by Auckland Greens | |
| Tuesday, 08 May 2007 | |
 It's great to see the Government has adopted so much of the Green Party’s climate change policy in its plan for a carbon trading scheme, but disappointing that it will take so long for any real action to happen, Green Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says. “The Government seems to have taken several steps in the right direction, by finally acknowledging that such a scheme must cover all sectors of the economy, including agriculture and transport – this is a first. “It is also a first for them to identify that the cost of emissions must be met by those who emit them. “It is pleasing to see our suggestion that processing companies can take responsibility for emissions on behalf of farmers and suppliers is also on the table for discussion. “Treasury must also be congratulated for finally acknowledging that over all placing a cost on carbon will have a negligible impact of the GDP. However, Government is still many steps behind what it should be doing. “It has not yet answered the really hard questions, such as how these emission permits should be allocated. “If they are given to those who currently emit carbon it will give a windfall to the worst polluters and stifle innovation. “I am also extremely concerned about how long it is going to take to implement this scheme. It is clear from the proposed timeline that there is no possibility of having a full carbon trading system operating until long after the Kyoto Protocol comes into effect on 1 January next year. “We are therefore urging the Government to adopt the Greens proposal that fossil fuel and electricity companies should purchase credits to cover their emissions from the January 1, 2008. This would give the Government more time to develop a full carbon trading system while ensuring a price on carbon this year, and early action on reducing emissions,” Ms Fitzsimons says. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 May 2007 ) |
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