ACF on design of the carbon pollution reduction scheme
July 17, 2008
The Australian Conservation Foundation has welcomed the 2010 start date and the inclusion of transport in the Federal Government’s ‘carbon pollution reduction scheme’, but said the scheme’s emphasis on compensation for electricity generators would weaken its effectiveness.
“Polluting industries that have spent the last decade doing little or nothing to prepare for a carbon-constrained economy should not get a golden handshake,” said ACF climate change program manager Tony Mohr.
“The more compensation that goes to big polluters, the bigger the financial burden on the poor, the most vulnerable and rural Australians.”
On the inclusion of transport in the scheme, Mr Mohr said: “Transport generates about 14 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse pollution, so it’s important these emissions are counted in the scheme.
“Cutting fuel excise will hardly make a difference to family budgets – in fact it means the Government will have less money to invest in public transport and building more efficient cars. Better public transport will provide the long-term solution to petrol price rises and our greenhouse emission problems.
“While Ross Garnaut recommended half the permit revenue should go to households, the Government has not indicated what percentage of the money raised by the scheme would go towards helping households and companies become more energy efficient.
“Government help for households and companies to be more efficient with lighting and heating, to install insulation and efficient hot water systems will cut emissions – and energy bills.
“The scheme’s recognition of the greenhouse benefits of tree planting but its failure to recognise the emissions generated by tree clearing is unbalanced and disappointing.
“The key test for this emissions trading scheme will be whether it succeeds in dramatically cutting Australia’s greenhouse pollution in the crucial period before 2020.”
Article From http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=1840
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