14 DAY TRIAL // The carbon price managed to pass through the Australian Senate. It represents an important environmental regulation which pleases most of the eco-groups while also disturbing the activity of 400 enterprises, considered major polluters, that operate in the industry of energy, mining and transportation.
This measure, which will start being implemented from July 1, 2012, is expected to help reduce the amount of greenhouse gas which affected the air quality, while providing the legal framework which will make Australia cope with the global warming phenomenon.
“Scientists have warned about climate change for decades. This important first step in the process of tackling climate change is a credit to all those who have said ‘yes’ to a clean energy future,” declared Don Henry, CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation.
On the other hand, major players whose profit margins will be affected by this innovative measure say that if the government is keen on decreasing the amount of polluters, instead of making their productivity decline, it should show them effective and cleaner ways of improving their technology.
In fact, most of the inhabitants declared themselves against the controversial carbon tax, due to the fact that they believe such a measure would trigger a growth of the electricity price. According to a recent poll, only 4 out of 10 Australians were eager to support the regulation which is clearly in favor of the environment.
Other worries are related to the impact carbon tax will have upon agriculture, making it unable to achieve its targets.
“Ultimately, the carbon tax risks compromising the competitiveness of our agricultural industry,” declared The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President Jock Laurie.
Several organizations have their doubts regarding the efficiency of such a legal framework, stating that the government has failed to implement energy-efficient strategies throughout time.
They suggest the fact that the government should redefine its position while becoming an example for major enterprises and individuals.
Taking into account that the governments' facilities and programs are major consumers, officials from the advocacy group Do Something thinks that a first proper step to reduce the activity of the tremendous polluters would imply that the government should also cut off its emissions and energy usage.
“If the Government reduced their energy use by just 10 per cent, they could save taxpayers over $40 million a year. Despite this, the Gillard Government has a poor track record when it comes to implementing energy efficiency programs across the whole of Government. That has got to change,” concluded the Founder and Managing Director of Do Something, Jon Dee.