EC
Date: 2020-07-01
In Brussels, the European Commission (EC) has approved Sweden's 10-year carbon CO2 tax exemption extension for non-food based biogas used in heat generation and transportation fuel .

In its ruling, the EC noted the exemptions were "necessary and well-suited to stimulate production and consumption of domestic and imported biogas and bio-propane without distorting market competition." single market (Source: European Commission, EU Observer, Argus, 30 June, 2020) Contact: European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Pres., Frans Timmermans, Climate Chief, www.ec.europa.eu/commission/commissioners/2019-2024/timmermans_en, www.ec.europa.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  European Commission ,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2020-06-29
In Copenhagen, the Danish federal government is reporting plans to introduce a tax on emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The tax is in line with the Danish Council on Climate Change, a government advisory group, recommendations aimed at helping the country meet its goal of reducing its emissions by 70 pct by 2030 and becoming completely climate neutral not later than in 2050. (Source: Danish Council on Climate Change, Brinkwirw, July, 2020) Contact: Danish Council on Climate Change, www.klimaraadet.dk/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Denmark,  Carbon Tax,  Carbon Emissions,  

SwissAir
Date: 2020-06-12
The Swiss parliament reports it has moved to impose an environmental tax of between CHF30 and CHF120 ($32 and $126) per ticket for flights departing Switzerland.

The tax is expected to generate revenues of about CHF500,000 ($528.7 million) a year, half of which is to be refunded to Swiss citizens, according to a legal amendment under discussion in parliament. The legal amendment also includes a tax on fuel imports as well as the creation of a climate fund. (Source: Swissinfo, 10 June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  SwissAir,  

Alberta
Date: 2020-06-12
On the Canadian Prairies, the office of Alberta Environment Minister Jason Nixon has announced the closure of Energy Efficiency Alberta and the transfer of the 2017-vintage agency's $8-million budget into other departments or the current Emissions Reduction Alberta.

Energy Efficiency Alberta received funding from a provincial carbon tax on gasoline and heating fuels. The agency issued initiatives and rebates on everything from solar panels to energy-efficient appliances, windows, insulation, LED light bulbs and low-flow shower heads. The rebates were cancelled last fall. (Source: Office of Alberta Environment Minister Jason Nixon , JWN, Canadian Press, 12 June, 2020) Contact: Alberta Environment Minister Jason Nixon, 780-427-2711, www.alberta.ca/minister-of-environment-and-parks.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency Alberta,  Energy Efficiency ,  

Canada Carbon Tax
Date: 2020-05-27
In Canada, the Financial Post is reporting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (L) is raising the federal carbon tax by 50 pct, despite the broad economic challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, governments around the world are moving in the opposite direction.

World wide, most countrys have halted carbon tax increases during the pandemic, as have most Canadian Provinces (Source: Various Canadian Media, Financial Post, 19 May, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Carbon Tax,  

Australia
Date: 2020-05-22
Australia's conservative government on Thursday released a fresh technology roadmap to tackle climate change, targeting the use of natural gas, hydrogen, batteries and carbon capture, while avoiding the contentious issue of setting a carbon price.

The latest proposal, which the government aims to turn into formal policy by September, is based on driving down energy storage costs to back up wind and solar power, electrifying industrial processes and scaling up hydrogen production. . Green groups, mining, energy and other big corporations oppose the plan for its continued reliance on fossil fuels, like gas and coal, and are calling for the imposition of a carbon tax to drive green investment.

The technology roadmap is designed to help Australia meet its Paris Climate Accord commitment to cut carbon emissions by between 26 pct and 28 pct from 2005 levels by 2030.

Although Australia is one of the world's biggest carbon emitters per capita Angus Taylor, the Minister of Energy and Emissions recently said it is not Australian government policy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. (Source: Australia Ministry of Energy and Emissions Reduction, Hindustan Times, Reuters, 21 May, 2020) Contact: Australia Ministry of Energy and Emissions Reduction, Hon. Angus Taylor, Minister, www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/taylor

More Low-Carbon Energy News Australia Climate Change news,  Carbon Emissions news,  

Canada Carbon Tax
Date: 2020-05-20
As previously reported, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (L) is raising the federal carbon tax by 50 pct, despite the broad economic challenges of the COVID-19 crisis.

World wide, most countries have halted carbon tax increases during the pandemic, as have most Canadian Provinces (Source: Various Media Financial Post, 19 May, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Carbon Tax ,  

Carbon Price,Low Carbon Energy
Date: 2020-05-01
According to a recently circulated paper, French authorities consider present COVID-19 and related market conditions make a clear case for "mechanisms ensuring that these energies remain consistently above a certain floor price" from the perspective of both consumers and investors.

Such a mechanism could take the form of "a carbon price floor" that could be implemented either through the EU's emissions trading scheme (EUETS)or the energy taxation directive, which is up for review as part of the European Green Deal. The paper notes that structurally low electricity prices hinder investments in new low-carbon power generation capacity needed to meet the EU's decarbonisation goals.

Download the French position paper HERE. (Source: euractive, 27 April, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News EUETS,  Carbon Price,  Carbon Tax,  EU ETS,  

IMF
Date: 2020-05-01
Earlier this week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) called for fiscal measures implemented by governments against the COVID-19 pandemic to be harmonized to combat climate change and ensure an environmentally sustainable recovery from the pandemic.

The IMF noted that if this recovery is to be sustainable the fight against the climate crisis must be part ov the effort. To that end, "when governments provide financial lifelines to carbon-intensive companies, they should mandate commitments to reduce carbon emissions" should be part of the agreement. Additionally, financial firms should be required to better disclose climate risks in their lending and investment portfolios, the IMF notes/

The IMF also noted better ways of pricing in climate risk should be found and a substantially higher carbon price is needed to encourage climate-smart investment and to accelerate the shift to cleaner fuels and more energy efficiency. IMF also notes the current global carbon price is only $2 per ton, way below the levels needed to keep global warming under 2 degrees Celsius, which the IMF estimated to be $75 per ton. (Source: IMF, The Nation, 30 April, 2020) Contact: IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, Dir., www.imf.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News IMF,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Tax,  

ICE Global Carbon
Date: 2020-04-24
Exchange operator ICE reports the launch of a new carbon market index, joining a growing number of companies seeking to track allowance prices in the world's major greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

The new ICE Global Carbon Futures Index is made up of prices from the EU ETS, the California-Quebec Market and RGGI markets which together represent some of the largest regional economies in the world. To date, 46 nations and more than 30 cities, states and regions have imposed a price -- carbon tax -- on carbon emissions.(Source: ICE, 23 April, 2020) Contact: ICE Global Carbon, www.theice.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ICE Global Carbon,  Carbon Market,  

British Columbia
Date: 2020-04-08
Greenhouse operators can now apply for carbon tax relief grants for the 2020 production year, until May 1, 2020. Commercial producers in B.C. who grow vegetables, ornamental flowers and plants, forest seedlings and nursery plants – excluding cannabis -- are eligible. To qualify, sales must have exceeded $20,000 in 2019, natural gas or propane was used to heat their greenhouses or produce carbon dioxide; and production areas exceeded 455 square metres.

The grant covers up to 80 pct of the carbon tax that commercial greenhouse growers of eligible crops paid on the natural gas and propane they used for greenhouse heating and CO2 production in 2019. The province's floriculture and nursery industries grow more than 80 million greenhouse flowers and cuttings and produce approximately 50 million potted plants per year.

Down load information and eligibility criteria HERE. (Source: Gov. BB, HortiDaily, 8 April, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax news,  

Canada Carbon Tax
Date: 2020-04-03
On Wednesday, 1 April, the Canadian federal carbon tax was increased from $20 per tonne to $30 per tonne, despite legal challenges from the provinces of New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the severe economic downturn and skyrocketing unemployment due to COVID-19.

As previously reported, the tax will raise $10 per tonne each year until 2022. (Source: Various Media, 604NOW, April, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Carbon Tax,  

South Korea Carbon Emissions
Date: 2020-03-20
In Seoul, the South Korean government has announced plans to be the first East Asion nation to adopt a Green New Deal and deliver net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, if reelected in the upcoming legislative elections. To that end, the government would institute a carbon tax, phase out domestic and overseas coal project financing, and make large-scale investments in renewable energy.

South Korea, the world's seventh-largest carbon emitter as well as the third-largest public coal financier, is home to energy-intensive industries such as automotive and steel and likely to remain heavily dependent on climate-wrecking coal in the immediate future. (Source: Various Media, EcoBusiness, Mar., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Carbon,  Carbon Emissions,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2020-03-18
Following-up on our Aug. 30, 2019 report, the Canadian Supreme Court in Ottawa has postponed hearing challenges to the Canadian federal government's carbon tax and several other cases, until June at the earliest. The postponement was blamed squarely on the shoulders of the rampaging spreading COVID-19 crisis.

The top courts in Ontario and Saskatchewan rejected arguments by those provinces that the federal government lacks constitutional authority to impose a carbon tax in provinces that don't impose a carbon price that meets federal standards. The same provinces have appealed the provincial court rulings to the Supreme Court. ((Source: Various Media, Cdn Press, 17 Mar., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Carbon Tax,  

Carbon Tax,Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Date: 2020-03-18
A recently released report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has found that 82 pct of Canadian farmers say the federal carbon tax is negatively impacting their business. On average, farmers estimate they will pay almost $14,000 in federal carbon taxes in the first year it applies to them -- April 1st, 2019 to March 31st, 2020). The report also found:

78 pct of Canadian farmers have taken action in the last several years to lessen their environmental impact;

93 pct of farmers in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario agree the federal government should not charge GST (five per cent sales tax) on the federal carbon tax as it currently does;

Farmers cannot pass the federal carbon tax costs on to their customers, despite the government's assurances: 83 pct of farmers in the field crop sector said they would be able to pass on less than 10 pct of the federal carbon tax costs to customers between April 1st, 2019 and March 31st, 2020. Over 78 pct of these farmers will have to absorb the entire cost. (Source: CFIB, Weyburn Review, 26 Feb., 2020) Contact: CFIB, Marilyn Braun-Pollon, VP Western Canada and Ari-Business, 416-222-8022, 844-242-4400, 416-222-4337 - fax, www.cfib-fcei.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Carbon Tax news,  Canadian Federation of Independent Business news,  

Danish Council on Climate Change
Date: 2020-03-11
In Copenhagen, the Danish Council on Climate Change is calling for Denmark to "sharply" increase its carbon tax to help meet the estimated £4 billion cost of cutting emissions by 70 pct from 1990 levels by 2030.

The council, which is the main independent adviser to the Danish Government on climate change, is recommending an increase from the present £20 per tomne to £174 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent. (Source: Danish Council on Climate Change, Mar., 2020) Contact: Danish Council on Climate Change, Peter Mollgaard,www.klimaraadet.dk/en/about-danish-council-climate-change

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Changee Change,  

Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Date: 2020-03-02
A recently released report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has found that 82 pct of Canadian farmers say the federal carbon tax is negatively impacting their business. On average, farmers estimate they will pay almost $14,000 in federal carbon taxes in the first year it applies to them -- April 1st, 2019 to March 31st, 2020). The report also found:

Farmers care about the environment: When asked what motivates their business to implement measures to improve environmental quality, 87 pct of Canadian farmers said they were motivated by their own personal views;

78 pct of Canadian farmers have taken action in the last several years to lessen their environmental impact;

93 pct of farmers in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario agree the federal government should not charge GST (five per cent sales tax) on the federal carbon tax as it currently does;

Farmers cannot pass the federal carbon tax costs on to their customers, despite the government's assurances: 83 per cent of farmers in the field crop sector said they would be able to pass on less than 10 per cent of the federal carbon tax costs to customers between April 1st, 2019 and March 31st, 2020. Over 78 per cent of these farmers will have to absorb the entire cost.

To address the issue, CFIB recommends the federal government:: exempt natural gas, propane, and aviation fuel used by farmers for farming activities such as drying grain, heating livestock facilities, or spraying crops from the federal carbon tax, including those farm expenses from 2019; end the practice of charging GST on the federal carbon tax; stop further increases in the overall tax burden (e.g. CPP and carbon tax) on farmers; and work to improve Canada's overall tax and regulatory competitiveness in the agriculture sector. (Source: CFIB, Weyburn Review, 26 Feb., 2020) Contact: CFIB, Marilyn Braun-Pollon, VP Western Canada and Ari-Business, 416-222-8022, 844-242-4400, 416-222-4337 - fax, www.cfib-fcei.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canadian Federation of Independent Business,  Carbon Tax,  Canada Carbon Tax,  

BP
Date: 2020-02-28
Petroleum industry giant BP reports it is dropping its affiliation with three industry trade association on the grounds that the associations' climate change related policies and positions do not align with BP's.

BP is dropping the Western Energy Alliance because its interests did not aligned on federal regulation of methane in the US, and the Western States Petroleum Association and American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers over carbon pricing positions.

As previously reported on 14 Feb., BP plans to:

Achieve a 50 pct cut in the carbon intensity of its products by 2050 or sooner

Install methane measurement at all BP major oil and gas processing sites by 2023 and reduce methane intensity of operations by 50 pct.

Increase its investment in non-oil and gas businesses over time.

More actively advocate for policies that support net-zero, including carbon pricing -- carbon tax.

Further incentivise the company's workforce to deliver aims and mobilize them to advocate for net- zero and set new expectations for relationships with trade associations.

Aim for recognition as a leader for transparency of reporting, including supporting the recommendations of the TCFD, and launch a new team to help countries, cities and large companies decarbonize.

BP's current worldwide greenhouse gas emissions from its operations stand at 55 million tpy of CO2 equivalent (MteCO2e), and the carbon in the oil and gas that it produces is equivalent currently to around 360 MteCO2e emissions a year -- both on an absolute basis. Taken together, delivery of these aims would equate to a reduction in emissions to net zero from what is currently around 415 MteCO2e a year, according to the BP release. (Source: BP Website, 26 Feb., 2020) Contact: BP Press Office, +44 (0) 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com, www.bp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BP,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

BP
Date: 2020-02-14
In the UK, petroleum industry giant BP is reporting plans to become a net-zero carbon company by 2050 or sooner. To that end, the oil giant aims to:

Reach net-zero carbon in its oil and gas production on an absolute basis by 2050 or sooner.

Achieve a 50 pct cut in the carbon intensity of its products by 2050 or sooner

Install methane measurement at all BP major oil and gas processing sites by 2023 and reduce methane intensity of operations by 50 pct.

Increase the proportion of investment into non-oil and gas businesses over time.

More actively advocate for policies that support net-zero, including carbon pricing -- carbon tax.

Further incentivise the company's workforce to deliver aims and mobilise them to advocate for net- zero.

Set new expectations for relationships with trade associations.

Aim for recognition as a leader for transparency of reporting, including supporting the recommendations of the TCFD, and

Launch a new team to help countries, cities and large companies decarbonise.

BP's current worldwide greenhouse gas emissions from its operations stand at 55 million tpy of CO2 equivalent (MteCO2e), and the carbon in the oil and gas that it produces is equivalent currently to around 360 MteCO2e emissions a year -- both on an absolute basis. Taken together, delivery of these aims would equate to a reduction in emissions to net zero from what is currently around 415 MteCO2e a year, according to the BP release. (Source: BP, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: BP press office, +44 (0) 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com, www.bp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BP,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Climate Change
Date: 2020-01-03
In Vienna, the Austrian People's Party (OVP) and the Greens party candidates are touting their coalition "Green Deal" under which Austria would impose a carbon tax and seek to be carbon neutral by 2040.

The deal still needs to be approved at a Greens party congress. (Source: Various Media, DW, Jan., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  Carbon Neutral,  

EU,COP25
Date: 2019-12-30
Politico is reporting European countries are considering the imposition of carbon tariffs on import products from the U.S. and other countries with lack luster commitments to dealing with carbon emissions and climate change.

According to Politico, potential carbon tariffs were discussed at the United Nations COP25 climate conference in Madrid where it was thought inevitable that governments will turn to trade barriers in the effort to fight climate change.

The European Union currently imposes a €25 per metric ton carbon tax on oil refineries, steelmakers and paper producers and other major carbon emitters. (Source: Vestnik, Politico, 15 Dec., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News COP25,  EU,  EU ETS,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Tax,  

Germany
Date: 2019-12-18
Reuters is reporting Germany will raise the price (tax) on transportation and heating CO2 emissions to €25 ($27.56) per ton from 2021. The prices will rise to €30 in 2022, €35 in 2023, €45 in 2024, €55 in 2025 then spike to €65 in 2026.

Germany aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions to 55 pct of their 1990 level by 2030. (Source: Reuters, Various Media, 17 Dec., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

EXXON, Climate Leadership Council
Date: 2019-12-09
The Americans for Carbon Dividends (ACD) political action group is reporting Houston-headquartered oil industry giant ExxonMobil Corp. has made a $1 million donation to ADC's lobbying campaign to promote a U.S. tax on CO2 emissions, a central factor in global warming. The contribution came less than a month after the oil giant agreed to contribute $100 million to oil companies' efforts to develop technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The ADC aims to spend $5 million on an initial lobbying campaign to win support for the tax, said , senior vice president at the group. PAC is looking to build legislative support for its carbon tax. It proposes an initial $40 a ton tax on carbon dioxide that would increase over time, with the money raised to be returned to consumers. The PAC has raised $1 million each from Exelon Corp, First Solar Inc and the American Wind Energy Association and expects to reach its goal of a $5 million in coming months. (Source: Exxon, Denton Daily, Reuters, 8 Dec., 2019) Contact: Climate Leadership Council, Greg Bertelsen, www.clcouncil.org; Americans for Carbon Dividends, www.afcd.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Leadership Council,  Exxon,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Alliance for Clean Energy New York
Date: 2019-12-09
Reporting from Albany, the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACENY) has released The Case for Carbon Pricing at the NYISO, a new paper laying out the arguments for New York to integrate the cost of carbon pollution into the State's wholesale electricity market. ACENY is hoping the State will align the markets with New York's ambitious renewable energy goals.

The Case for Carbon Pricing at the NYISO, puts forth clear arguments in favor of Carbon Pricing:

Carbon Pricing will set an example for the Nation of how carbon policy can align with markets;

It will complement NY's new climate law and make it more likely that NY's ambitious goals will be met;

Lower the costs that would otherwise be paid by state agencies in achieving the Empire State's goals, lower the costs the State needs to invest in transmission, and lower the overall costs of achieving the climate law's mandates; and

Be able to be implemented quickly and cost-effectively, with little to no consumer impact, if it has NYS support.

ACENY is a broad coalition dedicated to promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a strong economy for the Empire State, and is New York's premier advocate for the rapid adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. (Source: ACENY, Dec., 2019) Contact: ACENY, Anne Reynolds, Executive Director, 518.432.1405 x222 (o), 518.248.4556 (m), areynolds@aceny.org, www.aceny.org; NYISO, www.nyiso.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alliance for Clean Energ,  NYISOy New York,  Carbon Price,  Carbon Tax,  

IBM
Date: 2019-12-06
"IBM has stated for more than a decade that climate change is a serious concern that warrants meaningful action on a global basis. Notwithstanding many important efforts, this remains the case today. The Earth's climate is warmer now than it was before the onset of the modern industrial era, and the increased temperature presents significant adverse risks which cannot be ignored. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide fuel this warming. According to scientists, the amount of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere is now greater than it has been for the last several hundred thousand years. Compounding this circumstance is the fact that carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for quite a long time after having been emitted.

"Some may debate how this happened, but that doesn't change the need to address it. Although our collective use of fossil fuels for energy has enabled remarkable economic development, the use of fossil fuels has also resulted in substantial emissions of carbon dioxide, and the cost of these emissions has not been reflected in the price of energy. As a matter of policy, this should change.

"IBM is no newcomer to the realm of climate change. In 2017, we reaffirmed our support for the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global warming to below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. Our commitment to the Paris Agreement builds on a long history of leadership in this space. In 1992 IBM helped the U.S. EPA launch the ENERGY STAR program. In 1994 we began to voluntarily disclose carbon dioxide emissions associated with IBM's consumption of energy and have done so annually now for 26 years. And in 2015, IBM was one of the first signatories to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge to demonstrate our support for the Paris Agreement.

"Performance is a key measure of commitment. IBM has reduced the carbon dioxide emissions associated with our consumption of energy by 32 pct since 2005. We are on track to achieve our goal of a 40 pct reduction by 2025, a rate consistent with what scientists say is needed to limit warming to between 1.5 and 2.0 degrees C. Energy conservation has been -- and remains -- a key ingredient for this. IBM continues to rigorously conserve energy equal to at least 3 pct of its annual consumption, something we have done for decades. Reducing consumption, when possible, is preferable to purchasing offsets.

"Responsible companies should also make transparent commitments regarding their consumption of renewable energy. Today, 38 pct of the global electricity IBM consumes comes from renewable sources, and we aim to increase this to 55 pct by 2025. Importantly, IBM does not rely upon the purchase of unbundled Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset its consumption of electricity from fossil fuels and thereby claim the company is a certain 'percent renewable.' Transparency matters in the transition away from carbon-based fuels, which is why our reporting about the use of renewables reflects our actual physical and matched consumption of renewable electricity.

"Climate change is real, and that is why IBM supports a responsible plan to tax carbon emissions. It is also why IBM supports the Paris Agreement and is on track as a company to reduce emissions associated with our consumption of energy consistent with what scientists say is needed. And it is why we are making transparent our own use of renewable energy and aiming to increase that use substantially.

"The enormity of the challenge requires more than business as usual. Putting a price on carbon emissions requires a plan in which economies will keep growing, but in a way that addresses the risks of a changing climate. We believe the Climate Leadership Council plan is the best way to secure agreement for action, and IBM will work to build support for it with elected officials, corporate colleagues, and our fellow citizens." (Source: IBM-The Weather Company (an IBM company), 2 Dec., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News IBM,  Carbon Tax,  Climate Change,  

IOS New England
Date: 2019-11-27
IOS New England, the operator of the New England electricity grid is telling the region's political leaders that if they want to quickly add more renewable energy into the system, they should put a price-tax on carbon emissions or institute other market mechanisms.

The ISO's comments were in response to a letter from a group of New England senators upbraiding ISO for failing to support the region's renewable energy goals, and preserving the fossil fuel status-quo.

ISO countered that the integration of renewable resources has always been one of the organization's goals when existing fossil fuel generators are retired. Setting a system-wide price on carbon-emissions would be the most effective way to move that ahead, the ISO said. (Source: IOS New England, Maine Public Radio, 26 Nov., 2019) Contact: ISO New England, Gordon Van Welie, CEO, www.iso-ne.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News IOS New England,  Carbon Price,  Carbon Tax,  Renewable Energy,  

EU ETS
Date: 2019-11-18
In Bern the Swiss Federal Council is reporting approval of revisions to the country's Reduction of CO2 Emissions ordinance with the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). The amended Ordinance was approved on November 13 and will enter into force on January 1, 2020.

The Swiss-EU agreement regulates the mutual recognition of emissions rights from the two ETS systems, each with its own legal basis. From January 2020, emissions from civil aviation and fossil fuel power stations will be included in the Swiss ETS, as is currently the case in the EU.

The EU ETS operates in 31 countries -- the EU's member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. A single, EU-wide cap applies, and auctioning is the default method for allocating allowances. The Swiss ETS is also based on the cap-and-trade principle.(Source: Swiss Federal Council, SwissInfo, TaxNews.com, 15 Nov., 2019) Contact: Swiss Federal Council, www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/federal-council.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU ETS,  Carbon Tax,  Carbon Emissions,  

German Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-11-18
The AP is reporting the German parliament has approved a bill to introduce a previously agreed upon carbon tax on transport and heating sectors. The parliamentarians also approved a price hike for airline tickets on domestic and European flights, as part of a broader package of measures designed to tackle climate change.

The legislation includes tax breaks for commuters and people who invest in improving their home energy efficiency and insulation. (Source: MyNorthwest, AP, 15 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

City of Evanston
Date: 2019-11-08
In Illinois, the city of Evanston, in coordination with several public interest organizations, is reporting the progress of the city's 2018 Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP), a comprehensive guide against climate change.

CARP objectives include building energy efficiency requirements, making the city of roughly 75,000 residents zero-waste by 2050 through recycling and composting programs and urging the federal government to impose a national carbon tax. (Source: Evanston City Council, The Daily Northwestern, 7 Nov., 2019) Contact: City of Evanston, Kumar Jensen, Sustainability and Resiliency Officer, www,cityofevanston.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Citizens Climate Lobby
Date: 2019-11-04

In Blacksburg, Virginia, the global not-for-profit, nonpartisan Citizens Climate Lobby of the New River Valley has come out in support of the recently tabled Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act [H.R. 763], a national carbon tax as introduced in the US the House of Representatives.

The Act imposes a fee of $15 per metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions assessed on fossil fuels as far upstream as possible. It is estimated that the policy will reduce America's CO2 emissions by 40 pct within the first 12 years and will create 2.1 million new jobs.

The Citizens Climate Lobby aims to empower citizens to create political will and address the climate crisis with a national carbon tax and dividend policy through a program of "levers of political will" -- government lobbying, media relations, grassroots outreach and chapter development. (Source: CCL, Roanoake Times, 3 Nov., 2019) Contact: CCL, www.citizensclimatelobby.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Citizens Climate Lobby,  Climate Change,  Carbon Tax,  

Oil and Gas Climate Initiative
Date: 2019-10-28
In London, the thirteen-member Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) is reporting a $1 billion commitment to support the goals of the Paris Climate Accord -- including investments in carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) and supporting carbon taxes and economic incentives aimed at reducing emissions.

Initially, OGCI will help decarbonize multiple industrial hubs in the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands and China. The OGCI also aims to build on the industry's reduction in methane emissions (9 pct in 2018) and to include carbon emissions in hope that future temperature increases will not exceed 2 degrees Celsius. To complement its methane emissions-intensity target, OGCI seeks to reduce collective average carbon intensity by 2025.

The OGCI member companies -- BP, Chevron, CNPC, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Occidental, Pemex, Petrobras, Repsol, Saudi Aramco, Shell and Total -- account for 32 pct of global operated oil and gas production, according to the OGCI website. (Source: OGCI, Alex Mills, Tims Record News, 28 Oct., 2019) Contact: Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, +44 (0)203 922 0853, contact@climateinvestments.energy, www.oilandgasclimateinitiative.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Oil and Gas Climate Initiative ,  

France Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-10-18
According to a Reuters report, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is calling for a tax on maritime shipping and aviation fuels as part of a drive to reduce carbon emissions. The proposed tax would complement plans supported by France and Germany for a carbon border tax that would shield European companies from competition from countries with lower emissions standards.

The Finance Minister noted France would also review its public export guarantees in line with its Paris Climate Agreement commitment to stop financing coal-related projects that increase the growth of carbons emissions. (Source: ShipInSight, Reuters, 17 Oct., 2019) Contact: French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Le_Maire

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  Maritime Fuel,  Aviation Fuel,  Fuel Carbon Tax,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-10-14
In Dublin, Ireland, the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee has announced the country's National Oil Reserve Agency has raised more than €3billion ($3.309 billion) in carbon tax revenue since 2010 while at the same time subsidizing coal and turf (peat). The National Oil Reserve Agency has also accumulated a surplus of more than €200 million that will be rolled into a climate action fund.

Both coal and turf (peat), which are used for heat and electric power production, are expected to be eventually phased out because of their high contribution of CO2 to greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, www.oireachtas.ie; National Oil Reserve Agency, +353 1 676 9390, www.nora.ie

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

IMF,International Monetary Fund
Date: 2019-10-14
According to the Washington, DC-based International Monetary Fund (IMF), avoiding dangerous global warming-climate change will require world government's to impose stringent taxes on fossil-fuel usage -- equating to a 43 pct hike in household energy bills over the next decade. The IMF notes the battle against climate change could only be won if the average carbon tax levied by its member states increased from $2 to $75 a ton.

IMF's economists show that a $75-a-ton carbon tax would also lead to an average 214 pct increase in the cost of coal and a 68 pct increase in natural gas. For the UK, the increases would be 157 pct for coal, 51 pct for natural gas, 43 pct for electricity and 8 pct for gasoline.

The IMF said it was calling for a substantially higher carbon tax because the CO2 from fossil fuels accounted for almost two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions and was the most immediately practical to control. (Source: International Monetary Fund, Various Media, Guardian, Oct., 2019) Contact: International Monetary Fund, www.imf.org

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Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-10-14
In Dublin, Ireland, the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee has announced the country's National Oil Reserve Agency has raised more than €3billion ($3.309 billion) in carbon tax revenue since 2010 while at the same time subsidizing coal and turf (peat). The National Oil Reserve Agency has also accumulated a surplus of more than €200 million that will be rolled into a climate action fund.

Both coal and turf (peat), which are used for heat and electric power production, are expected to be eventually phased out because of their high contribution of CO2 to greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, Irish Times, 10 Oct., 2019) Contact: Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, www.oireachtas.ie; National Oil Reserve Agency, +353 1 676 9390, www.nora.ie

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Rick Steves
Date: 2019-10-09
Popular U.S. tour and travel guide operator Rick Steves reports his company plans to donate $1 million directly to non-profits that work in the developing world countries that bear the worst effects of climate change. The donation is based on the recommended $30 carbon offset credit for every round-trip economy class ticket from the US to Europe.

He is particularly keen about organizations that attack the problem at a policy level. (Source: Rick Steves Travel, Quarts, 5 Oct., 2019) Contact: Rick Steves Travel, www.ricksteves.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Climate Change,  

German Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-10-02
In Berlin, the German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz reports the government expects its €10 per ton CO2 pricing starting in 2021 in the buildings and transport sectors will bring in €18.8 billion by 2023 for its Climate Action Package, according to the German business publication Handelsblatt.

The Climate Action Package is an economic plan for the country's Energy and Climate Fund, which is expected to grow from €6.1 billion this year to €11.75 billion in 2023. Revenues from the European trade of CO2 allowances in energy and industry (EU ETS) are expected to raise an additional €14 billion. The Climate Action Package is intended to put the country on track to meet its 2030 climate targets. (Source: Handelsblatt, Clean Energy Wire, Other Media, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: German Finance Minister, Olaf Scholz, www.bundesfinanzministerium.de

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Carbon Tax, German Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-09-23
In Berlin, German chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition government has reportedly agreed on a carbon price -- tax to meet its targeted 55 pct cut in carbon emissions by 2030. The price -- tax -- for CO2 emissions in transport and buildings is expected to come into force in 2021 at an estimated cost of €54 billion ($60 billion) by 2023.

The German system will be based on a trade in emissions certificates under the EU's emissions trading scheme (EU ETS). Germany is on course to miss its 2020 target of reducing 1990 greenhouse gas emissions by 40 pct, according to the Times of Aman report. (Source: Times of Oman, 22 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News EU ETS,  Carbon Tax,  Climate Change,  German Carbon Tax,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-09-16
In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CD) governing coalition is reportedly expected to release it latest plan to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 55 pct by 2030 compared to the 1990 levels. The government's package of measures, which could cost well over €40 billion ($44.6 billion) until 2023, is slated to be released on Friday, September 20.

The government's plans are expected to include a broad range of issues such as extending grants for electric car buyers, expanding a network of charging stations, raising road taxes for polluting vehicles, improving building energy efficiency, raising a green surcharge on air travel and a possible carbon tax.

As previously reported, Germany is expected to miss its own emissions goals for 2020. (Source: DW, 15 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  German Climate Change,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-09-11
In the UK, the Herald Media is reporting PM Boris Johnson's government is preparing to impose a tax of £16 per ton of carbon, if the country exits the European Union without a deal on the 31st of October.

This tax would come into effect from the 4th of November, and would apply to all stationary installations that are currently subject to the EU ETS.

If the UK were to leave the EU without a deal, the country will also not be subject to the 28-member European Union's Emissions Trade System (EU ETS) which is key to the EU and its member nations meeting emission reduction obligations.

While UK businesses currently pay a carbon tax rate of £26 under the EU ETS, a "No Deal Brexit" carbon tax would result in a £10 cut in the carbon tax rate and would be profitable for UK industries. (Source: Herald Media, 10 Sept., 2019)

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Social Justice Ireland
Date: 2019-09-04
In Dublin, Social Justice Ireland is criticizing the Government's €4 billion yearly incentives, lost and forgiven taxes and other expenditures as "potentially environmentally damaging." The not-for-profit organization suggests this €4 billion would go a long way to supporting a "Just Transition Fund" for low income households in rural Ireland most affected by the implementation of the necessary changes to support climate action.

Social Justice Ireland notes these subsidies effectively cancel out 80 pct of all tax revenues collected through environmental taxes -- the carbon tax -- and thus undermine any positive impact environmental taxes might have.

The group classed fuel allowances for low income households as a potentially damaging subsidy because they could result in increased greenhouse gas emissions through the unnecessary use of fossil fuels. The group suggests the subsidies be spent on fuel allowances for low income households to refurbish properties through improved energy efficiency. The group is also opposed to indirect subsidies -- including tax revenues forgone by the imposition of lower excise duties on diesel, kerosene, gas oil, aviation fuel, so-called green diesel and other fuel oil -- and most farm related subsidies as being potentially environmentally damaging.

Also included in the €4 billion targeted by Social Justice Ireland are direct government subsidies such as the transfer of €115 million from electricity consumers through a PSO levy to subsidize the burning of peat for electricity to maintain jobs in the midlands. (Source: Social Justice Ireland, RTE.ie Ireland's National Public Service Broadcaster, 3 Sept., 2019) Contact: Social Justice Ireland, +353 1 213 0724, www.socialjustice.ie

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Ontario Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-08-30
Reporting from Queens Park, Ontario Premier Doug Ford's (C) government reports it has filed a challenge with the country's top court against the Canadian Federal government's carbon tax.

The province, Canada's most populous, argues that Ontario's Court of Appeal was wrong to find the carbon price was "constitutional and within the federal government's right to impose." Federal lawyers had argued that the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act -- under which the carbon tax is imposed -- was a legitimate response to potentially catastrophic climate change. (Source: Various Media, Canadian Press, 28 Aug., 2019) Contact: Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, www.ontario.ca/page/premier

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Denver
Date: 2019-08-28
On Monday in Colorado, the Denver mayor's office and Denver City Council announced an agreement that will see a proposed carbon tax proposal on the ballot of an upcoming Nov. 5 election.

The measure, which includes the creation of an Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, would apply to commercial and industrial buildings in Denver. The Nov. 5 vote may, however be postponed until June 1, 2020 in light possible amendments to consider funding and other issues.

The Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency would, under the agreement, be functional by next July 1, 2020 and will combine employees from the existing Office of Sustainability and Department of Public Health and Environment. It would report to the mayor. (Source: The Denver Channel, 26 Aug., 2019)

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Fraser Institute
Date: 2019-08-23
A recently released study from the Canadian think tank, the Fraser Institute, contends Canada's federal carbon tax will increase production costs in certain key sectors and could trigger "carbon leakage" -- a phenomenon where firms relocate industrial activity to countries with less-stringent climate policies.

According to the study, the federal carbon tax, which is set to reach $50 per tonne in 2022, will increase the cost of energy and make some Canadian businesses less competitive compared to firms in other countries including the U.S..

The study identifies petroleum and coal-product manufacturing sector (which will see costs increase 24.8 per cent due to the federal carbon tax), agriculture chemical manufacturing (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.), basic chemical manufacturing, cement and concrete product manufacturing, and primary metal manufacturing as the most vulnerable to waning competitiveness and carbon leakage.

Access the report HERE (Source: Fraser Institute, PR, Aug., 2019) Contact: Fraser Institute, Elmira Aliakbari, Dir. of Natural Resource Studies, (514) 281-9550, www.fraserinstitute.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Fraser Institute,  Carbon Emissions,  CO2,  Carbon Leakage,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-08-09
In Hanoi, the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is reporting the planned 2020 launch of a one-year carbon tax pilot program that will affect 11 cement and 9 power production plants across the country.

Under the scheme, cement producers and traders will be charged US$0.09/t of clinker, equivalent to US1.35/t of CO2. The tax is lower than the World Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility pledge to pay for emission reduction efforts in North Central Region of US$5/t of CO2. The provinces running the tariff are expected to generate around US$7.4 million per year. (Source: Vietnam News Agency Bulletin, Global Cement News, 4 Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Cement,  Carbon Tax,  

iPol
Date: 2019-07-31
Over 60 pct of Canadians want the government to address climate change with action even if the economy suffers, according to a Mainstreet poll 2,651 Canadians conducted for iPolitics.

The 61 pct was higher in Quebec at 76.8 per cent, 67.3 pct in Atlantic Canada and 62 pct in British Columbia. In oil-soaked Alberta only 36.5 pct agreed.

Additionally, roughly 47 pct of respondents said a carbon tax was not helpful to the economy and 85 pct agreed that private companies should have to pay to pollute. Also, just under 68 pct of respondents agreed there is a "collective moral duty to future generations to not destroy the environment further, even if it means paying more taxes in the short term." (Source: iPolitics, 30 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-07-26
In the nation's capitol, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) reports he and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) will introduce the Climate Action Rebate Act -- a carbon tax -- that could generate $2.5 trillion in revenues over 10 years starting in 2020, according to a Reuters report.

The act would rebate about 70 pct of its revenue to families with under $130,000 per year income and use the remainder for energy infrastructure, job retraining for fossil fuel workers, and low-carbon energy R&D. The bill would cut U.S. carbon emissions 55 pct by 2030 and 100 pct by 2050 compared to 2017 levels. (Source: Various Media, Reuters, Japan Times, 25 July, 2019) Contact: Senator Dianne Feinstein, www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me; Senator Ghris Coons, www.coons.senate.gov/contact

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  U.S.Carbon Tax,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Carbon Tax,South Africa
Date: 2019-07-19
In Johannesburg, South Africa, the Southern Courier is reporting that country's recently enacted carbon tax is now fully in force. The 120 Rand ($8.63 US) per tonne carbon tax is intended to penalize large South African emitters of greenhouse gase and thus help . minimize the climate risks that hydrocarbon fuels present, being a major cause of air pollution and global warming.

According to the International Monetary Fund, carbon tax is the best way to cut greenhouse gas emissions as it allows for a reduction in energy consumption. (Source: Southern Courier, 18 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  GHG Emissions,  CO2,  South Africa Carbon Tax,  

Clean Fuel,Paris Climate Agreement
Date: 2019-07-10
The CBC is reporting Progressive Conservative (PC) Party Leader and Prime Ministerial hopeful Andrew Scheer says a government led by him would scrap a "secret fuel tax" -- a plan by the sitting Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to improve fuel standards and cut emissions through regulatory changes that have not yet been finalized.

In addition to the existing carbon tax regime, the Liberal government aims to make the heating and transportation fuel supply cleaner to reduce carbon emissions and help Canada meet targets set under the Paris Climate Agreement.

According to a government backgrounder, fossil fuel suppliers will be able to meet the performance standard by "taking action themselves" to make fuels cleaner -- through improvements to the refining process, for example, or by purchasing credits from low-carbon-intensity fuel producers and other credit generators. (Source: CBC News, Various Media, 8 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Vehicle Emissions,  Clean Fuel Standard,  Paris Climate Agreement,  Clean Fuel,  

U.S. Conference of Mayors
Date: 2019-07-03
Reporting from the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual meeting in Honolulu, the mayors of hundreds of U.S. cities are calling for federal carbon tax price "sufficient enough to reduce carbon emissions in line with ambitions detailed in the Paris Agreement on climate change."

The mayors also voted in support of a resolution endorsing the idea of a Green New Deal, called for Congress to adopt "a comprehensive national response" to climate change, The mayors also voted to oppose President Donald Trump's plan to freeze vehicle fuel economy standards, and to endorse individual cities' right to sue over climate change damages and protect taxpayers from related mitigation and adaptation costs. The mayors also oppose any action by Congress or in state legislatures "to limit or eliminate cities' access to the courts by overriding existing laws or in any way giving fossil fuel companies immunity from lawsuits over climate change-related costs and damages."

The U.S. Conference of Mayors includes the leaders of about 1,400 cities with populations greater than 30,000. about 1,400 cities. (Source: U.S. Conference of Mayors, Inside Climate News, 2 July, 2019) Contact: U.S. Conference of Mayors, www.usmayors.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News U.S. Conference of Mayors,  Climate Change,  Green New Deal,