VW,Volkswagen
Date: 2019-11-06
In Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess has called for a price on carbon and committed to reducing VW's fleet carbon emissions by 30 pct by 2025, and to zero carbon by 2050. A price on carbon would have the effect of making lower-carbon transportation more economical, because it would finally put a price on the externalities caused by polluting fossil-powered transport, the VW CEO noted.

Diess replaced Matthias Muller as VW CEO in 2018 following Muller's involvement in the automaker's "dieselgate" emissions scandal that cost the company $3.4 billion in penalties. (Source: VW,PR, electerk, 5 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News VW,  Volkswagen,  Carbon Price,  Carbon Tax,  

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Monetary Fund,  ,  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, Irish Times, 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 news,  

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

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

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)

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

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario Carbon Tax,  Canada Carbon Tax,  Doug Ford,  

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)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

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,  

Carbon Tax,Netherlands
Date: 2019-07-01
At the Hague, the Netherlands Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has announced wide-ranging measures aimed at addressing climate change -- including a carbon tax. The Ministry's measures are intended to cut the nation's carbon emissions by half by 2030.

The carbon tax is expected to start at €30 ($34) per ton of carbon emissions in 2021 and rise as high as €150 ($170) per ton in 2030, according to the government release. The Netherlands is aiming to generate 70 pct of its energy from by 2030 and to become 100 pct carbon neutral by 2050. (Source: Netherlands Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, Yahoo Finance, Various Media, 28 June, 2019) Contact: Netherlands Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, +31 70 379 89 11, www.government.nl/ministries/ministry-of-economic-affairs-and-climate-policy

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

International Air Transport Association
Date: 2019-06-24
According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) commissioned research, air passengers support the development of new technologies and sustainable aviation biofuels to reduce aviation carbon emissions rather than the imposition of an "environmental" tax on airline tickets.

The commercial air transport industry is targeting a cap of CO2 emissions through carbon neutral growth from 2020 and aims to halve emissions by 2050, compared to 2005 levels, ensure the aviation industry's compatibility with the Paris climate agreement goals. (Source: International Air Transport Association, Biofuels Int'l, 24 June, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Aviation Biofuel news,  Carbon Tax news,   news,  

Goldwater Institute
Date: 2019-06-19
More than 70 leaders from Americans for Tax Reform, the Goldwater Institute, the Competitive Enterprise Institute, the Independent Women's Forum, the Texas Public Policy Foundation and other conservative-leaning organizations have written an open letter urging the U.S. Congress not to impose carbon taxes.

"We oppose any carbon tax. A carbon tax raises the cost of heating your home in the winter and cooling your home in the summer. It raises the cost of filling your car. A carbon tax increases the cost of everything Americans buy and lowers Americans' effective take home pay. A carbon tax increases the power, cost, and intrusiveness of the government in our lives", the letter claimed.

The letter was reportedly a reaction to mainstream Republican Sen. Mitt Romney's comment on possibly co-sponsoring a $15 per ton carbon tax bill with Delaware Democrat Cris Coons. If Romney were to co-sponsor carbon tax legislation, he would likely be the only Republican senator openly supporting it. (Source: Goldwater Institute, The Hayride, 15 June, 2019) Contact: Goldwater Institute, 602-462-5000, www.goldwaterinstitute.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

Manitoba Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-06-12
In Winnipeg on the Canadian Prairies, Manitoba's Progressive Conservative government reports it aims to reduce annual emissions by one megatonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) by 2022 -- less than half of the previous government's 2017 targeted reductions. To that end, the provincial government announced it is reducing GHG emissions and eliminating a possible carbon tax.

In a statement the Manitoba Minister of Sustainable Dev elopement said; "We've removed the carbon-pricing (tax) element from our plan and are moving forward with getting real emissions reductions. (There are) several more initiatives to come that will help us transition to a low-carbon future without imposing a tax on Manitobans."<

In 2017, the federal Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Manitoba's then proposed carbon tax was insufficient an demanded the province match the federal carbon tax of $20 a tonne rising to $50 per ton by 2022. To date, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick have challenged the federal carbon tax plan. (Source: Manitoba Ministry of Sustainable Development, CBC, Canadian Press, 10 June, 2019) Contact: Manitoba Sustainable Development, Hon. Rochelle Squires, Minister, (204) 945-6784, www.gov.mb.ca/sd

More Low-Carbon Energy News Manitoba Carbon Tax,  Canada Carbon Tax,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Alberta Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-06-07
On the Canadian prairies, the province of Alberta reports it has officially approved legislation to kill the self-imposed provincial carbon tax which came into effect on Jan. 1, 2017. The oil-soaked province's newly elected Conservative Premier Jason Kenney had vowed to eliminate the carbon tax in his election campaign.

The province had stopped charging the tax last week, although it is still imposed on large CO2 emitters.

Alberta's action will automatically trigger a Canadian liberal government imposed carbon tax of C$20 ($14.91) per ton, increasing by C$10 ($7.46) per year to a high of C$50 ($37.28) per ton in 2022. (Source: CBC News, Kallanish, Various Cdn. Media, 6 June, 2019)

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

Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-06-05
In Amsterdam, the Government of the Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte has proposed legislation setting a minimum price of €12.30 per tonne of CO2 emissions by electricity producers. If approved by parliament, the law would come into force in Jan., 2020, rising to €31.90 in 2030. The Dutch carbon tax would supplement the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS). (Source: Gov. of the Netherlands, Reuters, June, 2019)

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

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-06-03
In Ottawa, Canadian Environment Minister, Hon. Catherine McKenna is reporting the launch of launching a direct rebate program for small and medium-sized businesses to get back up to half the cost of buying more energy-efficient equipment and appliances.

It's expected the rebates will be worth $44 million this year and the maximum rebate for any individual business will be $20,000.

A separate program will allow businesses to apply to get rebates for energy efficiency retrofits. That program, which will be about $106 million this year, will be for projects that cost up to $1 million. The funds come from the revenues Canada is collecting from the $20-a-tonne carbon price imposed April 1, 2019. (Source:Canadian Environment Minister, Hon. Catherine McKenna, Canada Press, 30 May, 2019) Contact: Canada Ministry of the Environment, Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Catherine McKenna,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency Rebates,  

Energy Efficiency, Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-05-31
Following up on our 6 March coverage, Canadian Environment Minister, Hon. Catherine McKenna is reporting the launch of a direct rebate program for small and medium-sized businesses. The rebates would cover approximately 50 pct of the purchase price energy-efficient equipment and appliances.

A separate program will allow businesses to apply for rebates for energy efficiency retrofits. That program, which will be about $106 million this year, will be for projects that cost up to $1 million. It's expected the rebates will be worth $44 million this year and the maximum rebate for any individual business will be $20,000.

The funds come from the revenues Canada is collecting from the $20 per-tonne carbon price imposed April 1, 2019. (Source: Canadian Environment Minister, Hon. Catherine McKenna, Canada Press, 30 May, 2019) Contact: The Hon. Catherine McKenna, Canada Minister of Environment and Climate Change, www.facebook.com/McKenna.Ottawa

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency Rebate,  Energy Efficiency,  Catherine McKenna,  

Aouth Africa
Date: 2019-05-27
In Pretoria, the South African National Treasury reports the country's newly elected President has signed into law a long-delayed carbon tax as part of its commitment to lower carbon emissions and to meet agreements on global climate change.

Beginning June 1, 2019 to December 2022, the carbon tax rate will be 120 rand ($8.34) per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Allowable tax breaks will reduce the effective rate to between 6 rand and 48 rand per tonne of CO2, according to the National Treasury release. (Source: South African National Treasury,Citizen, Various Media, 26 May, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

Carbon Emissions
Date: 2019-05-20
"So here's my view: -- at JPMorgan we have risk committees, and green stuff. And we're going to be 100 percent green ourselves. We're very careful who we do -- how we do it. I didn't pick it up because it's hard to have a policy around that. So here's my own view, OK, is that I believe that this carbon dividend, carbon tax -- which some of you may have seen George Shultz and Jim Baker and, like, eight secretaries of state, former secretary of trade signed onto it. I think it's brilliant. And that is the solution. And so I personally would support something like that. And the company may say we support proper policy to start reducing CO2. I do think it's an issue." -- Jamie Dimon, Chairman & CEO, JP Morgan Chase

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

Dominion Energy,CEO Climate Dialogue
Date: 2019-05-17
In the Old Dominion State, Richmond-headquartered Dominion Energy, which relies heavily on nuclear power and is rapidly expanding its solar portfolio, reports it is joining the CEO Climate Dialogue, a coalition of corporations and environmental groups in support of a carbon tax and other measures designed to reduce CO2 emissions.

CEO Climate Dialogue is aiming for economy-wide carbon emission reductions of 80 pct or more by 2050, with aggressive near- and mid-term emission reductions commensurate with that goal.

The group also "aims to build bipartisan support for climate policies that will increase regulatory and business certainty, reduce climate risk, and spur investment and innovation needed to meet science-based emissions reduction targets." BP, Shell, BG&E, DTE Energy, Exelon and other energy majors are among the group's membership. (Source: Dominion Energy, Bacon's Rebellion, Blog, 16 May, 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy, Thomas F. Farrell, CEO, Keith Windle, VP Business Development, www.dominionenergy.com; CEO Climate Dialogue, http://business.edf.org/blog/tag/ceo-climate-dialogue

More Low-Carbon Energy News Dominion Energy,  Carbon Tax,  CEO Climate Dialogue,  

Canada Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-05-06
On the Canadian prairies, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal has ruled that Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act "falls within the legislative authority of Parliament. It is not unconstitutional in whole or in part."

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe (C), along with the province of Ontario and New Brusnwick, had challenged the Trudeau government's carbon tax in Canada's top court Friday, after a lower court ruled it is constitutional.

Apparently still itching for a fight, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe immediately vowed to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court of Canada. Oil-soaked Alberta's newly-elected Premier Jason Kenney vowed to join Moe and (Conservative) Ontario Premier Doug Ford in opposition to the fed's imposed carbon tax. (Source; CBC, National Observer, Various Media, 3 May, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Carbon Tax,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-05-03
"We would be ignorant if we did not include the latest reports in our considerations -- We have regulatory law as an option, we have fiscal incentive measures, and we have general CO2 pricing, which we are looking at but for which we have not yet decided. We will, however, include them (in our climate cabinet's further discussions)" -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Merkel's government is under pressure to complete measures and legislation that will ensure greenhouse gas reductions of 55 pct by 2030, so as to avoid target failure and costly payments for emission allocations under the EU effort sharing regulation. To that end, the government is exploring the introduction of a CO2 tax. (Source: Various Media, Clean Energy Wire, 11 April, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Tax,  

Climate Leadership Council
Date: 2019-05-03
Following up on our 17th April coverage, Microsoft reports it has joined the Climate Leadership Council. The Climate Leadership Council was founded by former secretaries of state James Baker and George Shultz, renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, BP, ExxonMobil, and Shell, General Motors and others. Membership includes 3500+ economists, 27 Nobel laureates and 15 former Chairs of the Council of Economic Advisers.

According to the organization's website, The founding Members of the Climate Leadership Council believe that America needs a consensus climate solution that bridges partisan divides, strengthens our economy and protects our shared environment."

The Council's carbon dividends solution embodies the conservative principles of free markets and limited government. It also offers an equitable, popular and politically-viable way forward, paving the way for a much-needed bipartisan climate breakthrough. The Council's carbon dividends program is based on four interdependent pillars:

A gradually rising and revenue-neutral carbon tax;

Carbon dividend payments to all Americans, funded by 100 pct of the revenue;

The rollback of carbon regulations that are no longer necessary; and

Border carbon adjustments to level the playing field and promote American competitiveness.

Alongside a growing carbon tax, the Climate Leadership Council wants to rollback carbon regulations that are no longer necessary and pay these carbon taxes back to citizens in the form of dividends. The group also plans to push for rising carbon taxes in replacement of other climate legislation while protecting its members from historic climate damage payments, according to its website.

Microsoft recently committed to a $15 per ton internal carbon tax and announced that its campus will soon be run with 100 pct carbon-free electricity. It also ramped up its data center plans to run on 70 pct renewable by 2023. (Source: Microsoft, Climate Leadership Council, WinBuzzer, 2 May, 2019) Contact: Climate Leadership Council, www.clcouncil.org

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Microsoft
Date: 2019-05-03
"We are getting extremely impatient, frankly, for policy action on climate change. We support a carbon fee because we believe it's a policy mechanism that works and accords with economic principles." -- Lucas Joppa, Chief Environmental Officer, Microsoft,

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Beto O'Rourke
Date: 2019-05-01
2020 Dem. presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke has released what he's calling "the most ambitious climate plan in the history of the United States and the most comprehensive climate policy proposal put out by any 2020 contender to date."

O'Rourke's proposal calls for halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 through a program of: executive action; a $5 trillion over 10 years investment in a clean energy transition; and preparing vulnerable communities for the impacts of climate change.

Although the plan is focused on climate and energy -- cutting emissions and creating alternatives -- approximately $3.5 trillion is allocated through tax incentives, loans, and other financing mechanisms for infrastructure, research, resilience, and clean energy deployment. The outlay would be funded by "structural changes to the tax code" that end tax breaks to fossil fuel companies and raise rates on corporations and top earners. Of the remaing $1.5 trillion, $1.2 trillion would go to grants for sustainable housing, transportation, public health, farming, and start-ups.

As opposed to a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system, O'Rourke is advocating a legally-binding net-zero emissions standard by 2050. The plan doesn't rule out pricing carbon but instead focuses on setting definitive goal posts. If elected, O'Rourke noted will re-enter the Paris climate agreement, implement rules to cut methane and other "super-potent" GHG emissions, tighten clean air rules, ramp up appliance efficiency standards, demand clean energy procurement from federal contractors, and end new fossil fuel leases on public lands. (Source: Vox, Various Media, 30 April, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Carbon Tax,  Methane,  Clean Air,  

Carbon Tax,Perennial Farming Initiative
Date: 2019-04-29
In the Golden State, a new program created as a collaboration with the California Air Resources Board (ARB), the California Food and Agricultural Department and the not-for-profit Perennial Farming Initiative gives California restaurants the option to adhere to the voluntary Restore California Renewable Restaurant program and add a voluntary 1 pct surcharge-carbon tax to diners' bills as part of the fight against climate change. The extra money will go to support environmentally friendly farming practices. (Source: The Hill, NY Post, Various Media, 27 April, 2019) Contact: Perennial Farming Initiative, www.perennialfarming.org

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Microsoft
Date: 2019-04-17
Redmond, Washington-based tech giant Microsoft reports the unveiling of new sustainability plans to shift its data centers to 75 pct renewable energy by 2023 rising to 100 pct within the next decade. The company is also launching a new initiative to encourage recycling of data center assets using artificial intelligence (AI) and other techniques.

Additionally, Microsoft plans to nearly double its 2012 "internal carbon tax" to $15 per metric ton as part of the effort. The "internal carbon tax" is based on projected carbon emissions from each part of the company -- everything from carbon use in buildings to transportation. The tax produces about $30 million annually for a fund Microsoft uses to invest in energy improvements. The company also plans to join the Climate Leadership Council and advocate for carbon pricing nationwide as part of the new sustainability push. (Source: Microsoft, GeekWire, 16 April, 2019)

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Microsoft
Date: 2019-04-17
Tech giant Microsoft reports it will nearly double its internal carbon fee to $15 per metric ton on all carbon emissions. This internal Microsoft "tax" was established in 2012 to hold the company's business divisions financially responsible for reducing their carbon emissions.

The funds from this higher fee will both maintain Microsoft's carbon neutrality and help the company take a tech-first approach that will put sustainability at the core of every part of the company's business and technology to work for sustainable outcomes and to cut the company's operational carbon footprint. (Source: Microsoft Blog, Brad Smith, Pres., 15 April, 2019)Contact: Microsoft Corporate Offices, www.headquartersinfo.com/microsoft-headquarters-information

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Date: 2019-04-17
Last week in Olympia, the Washington House of Representatives moved the state closer to decarbonizing its energy grid with the passage of legislation that will put the kibosh on coal use by 2025 and move the state to a carbon-neutral grid by 2030.

Washington is the fourth state to pursue carbon-free electricity. California, Hawaii and New Mexico have already passed similar plans, while Nevada and New York are considering similar bills.

Washington, under Dem, Governor Jay Inslee's direction, is pursuing specific measures focused on slashing emissions from specific sectors rather then imposing a an all encompassing carbon tax to meet its carbon reduction goals. Inslee, a recently announced 2020 Presidential hopeful, has pushed the state's power companies to obtain 80 pct of their energy from carbon-free sources by 2030 and to offset emissions for the remaining 20 pct with renewable energy credits. Come 2045, all retail electricity sales must come from carbon-free sources.

State legislation calls for a 25 pct emissions reduction of 1990 levels by 2035, and 50 pct by 2050. (Source: Various Media, 16 April, 2019)

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Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-04-12
"We would be ignorant if we did not include the latest reports in our considerations [...] We have regulatory law as an option, we have fiscal incentive measures, and we have general CO2 pricing, which we are looking at but for which we have not yet decided. We will, however, include them (in our climate cabinet's further discussions)" -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Merkel's government is under pressure to complete measures and legislation that will ensure greenhouse gas reductions of 55 pct by 2030, so as to avoid target failure and costly payments for emission allocations under the EU effort sharing regulation. To that end, the government is exploring the introduction of a CO2 tax. (Source: Various Media, Clean Energy Wire, 11 April, 2019)

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JP Morgan Chase
Date: 2019-04-12
"So here's my view: Is that we don't -- at JPMorgan we have risk committees, and green stuff. And we're going to be 100 percent green ourselves. We're very careful who we do -- how we do it. I didn't pick it up because it's hard to have a policy around that. So here's my own view, OK, is that I believe that this carbon dividend, carbon tax -- which some of you may have seen George Shultz and Jim Baker and, like, eight secretaries of state, former secretary of trade signed onto it. I think it's brilliant. And that is the solution. And so I personally would support something like that. And the company may say we support proper policy to start reducing CO2. I do think it's an issue." -- Jamie Dimon, Chairman & CEO, JP Morgan Chase

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Canada Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-04-03
As promised, the Canadian federal Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday imposed a carbon tax on the provinces of New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan and Manitoba -- all of which are led by Conservatives -- for their failure to impose a provincial emissions reduction program that meets the fed's approval.

The federal levy, which starts at $20 (US$15) per tonne of pollution and rises incrementally to $50 per ton, is expected to add about 4.5 cents to the price of a liter of gasoline, as well as drive up drive up other energy related costs. To ease the pain on consumers, the feds pledged to refund most of the carbon tax cash directly to taxpayers.

Canada's remaining six provinces are exempt from the federal tax having imposed their own carbon tax or cap-and-trade system to help Canada meet its Paris Agreement target of reducing CO2 emissions by 30 pct from 2005 levels by 2030. (Source: Canada Ministry of the Environment, CBC, Various Media, 1 April, 2019)Contact: Canada Ministry of the Environment, Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html

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Ontario Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-04-01
Recently released research from the University of Toronto has found that the vast majority of Toronto area commuters favor the Liberal federal Government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's imposed new carbon tax and tax rebate plan, despite the impending hike in gas prices.

The plan was rolled out by the Canadian Government today, Monday, April 1. In the initial study, 28 pct opposed the pricing plan and 13 pct were undecided. But when told about the rebate aspect of the carbon tax program, the number of Ontarians in the GTHA who actually support the plan rose to an unexpected 70 pct majority. (Source: Univ. of Toronto, Narcity, 29 Mar., 2019)

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Richard Bransom,Climate Change
Date: 2019-03-18
"I believe there is an extremely simple way to whip climate change and I plan to set it out below.

"Many people working on this subject believe the world needs a carbon tax on dirty fuels -- coal and oil -- to solve the problem. However, the problem with a carbon tax is that it has so far been impossible to impose without governments falling. The Australian government tried to bring one in and they were kicked out -- the new government cancelled it. In November 2018, the state of Washington voted against a carbon tax for the second time in two years.

"Carbon taxes are of course well-intentioned. But others are skeptical that they will raise enough resources to tackle the problem, or if the money will actually even be spent on the issue. So aside from being unpopular with the companies, carbon taxes are also often unpopular with the public and unpopular with governments. There are really no winners -- except ultimately the globe and the environment.

"So I would like to propose the following: a Clean Energy Dividend. Every company in the world should accept a Clean Energy Dividend to be imposed on the fossil fuel they use and the carbon emissions they cause. The dividend could be the equivalent percentage that a carbon tax would have been, and based on cutting pollution at the rate the climate science shows is necessary. However, unlike a carbon tax, that money wouldn't disappear into government coffers, but would be used specifically to be invested in generating clean energy through wind farms and solar panels, as well as the development of more low carbon fuels and other breakthrough technologies. The companies, through those investments, can get that money back, plus dividends (it would be wise to have some independent governance to make absolutely certain that all companies comply with this remit.)

"The good news about this approach is that:

Clean energy will have literally billions poured into it over the next few years - enough money to switch the world from dirty to clean energy. This is important because what climate change initiatives are still lacking at the moment is major investment;

Companies investing this money should be happy because the investments they make should be secure ones;

Millions of new jobs will be created through a climate change revolution;

The public should be happy because although some fuel prices might increase in the short-term, the competition from clean fuel will rapidly drive prices of both dirty and clean fuel down very quickly and they will stay down forever:

Governments should be happy because the lower fuel prices will result in a great boost to the economy. Lower fuel prices are politically attractive and politicians will also be able to say that by implementing this, they have made a major move towards getting on top of climate change.

"This is a win-win all-round. It's a win for companies, a win for the people who work in them, a win for the public, a win for creating new jobs, win for governments, and most importantly of all a win for our beautiful globe. Today I am just throwing this open to debate and would love feedback. We will work hard with The B Team, The Elders, The Rocky Mountain Institute and others to get something along these lines implemented as soon as possible." (Source: The Virgin Foundation, Mar., 2019) Contact: The Virgin Foundation, Sir Richard Branson, www.virgin.com

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Canadian Environment Minister, Hon. Catherine McKenna
Date: 2019-03-06
In Ottawa, Canadian Environment Minister Catherine McKenna is reporting the Liberal federal government of Prime Minster Justin Trudeau plans to ease the recently mandated carbon price burden on small business with incentives and rebate payments to cover some of the cost of making energy efficient upgrades.

The Minister noted that the government expects to provide at least $1.46 billion over five years to small and medium-sized businesses, including $155 million in the fiscal year starting April 1. Hospitals, municipalities and other community organizations will share at least $727 million over five years, starting with $73 million in 2019-2020 fiscal years.(Source: City News, Various Media, Canadian Press, Mar., 2019) Contact: Office of Canadian Environment Minister, Hon. Catherine McKenna, www.canada.ca/en/government/ministers/catherine-mckenna.htm

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency Rebate,  Canada Carbon Tax,  

Carbon Tax
Date: 2019-03-04
In State College Pennsylvania, the Center Daily Times publication is lauding Patton Township supervisors for urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass House Resolution 763, Marcellus Shale tax, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. If passed into law, the tax would charge a $15 per ton fee on carbon to be collected by the Treasury Department at the first point of sale -- mines, refineries and gas wells. The fee would by $10 per ton per year with all of the collected funds distributed to each U.S. household in equal monthly per-person dividends.

The bill's supporters claim it is a market-based solution that will drive down carbon pollution and reduce America's carbon emissions by 40 pct or more within 12 years, According to the Centre Daily Times on Feb. 1, 2019, "Pennsylvania is the only major natural gas state that does not tax the product." (Source: Center Daily Times, 2 Mar., 2019) Contact: Center Daily Times, www.centredaily.com

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Quebec Carbon Market
Date: 2019-03-01
In Quebec City, the Province of Quebec is reporting it raised $215 million at last week's auction of greenhouse gas emission credits that now total more than $3 billion. At last week's auction, roughly 80.9 million vintage credits were sold out at $20.82 each, and around $6 million in future credits were sold at $20.68 each. On the Quebec side, most of the buying was done by the roughly 150 companies required by provincial law to purchase one credit for every tonne of carbon dioxide they emit.

In Quebec, energy and industry produce a relatively small percentage of the province's overall emissions due primarily to the province's reliance on carbon-free hydroelectricity. The transport sector is responsible for more than 40 per cent of the province's carbon dioxide emissions, according to the most recent figures available. (Source: CBC, Various Media, 28 Feb., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Quebec Carbon Market,  Carbon Tax,  Carbon Market,  Western Climate Initiative ,