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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Earth Negotiations Bulletin UNFCCC SEMINAR OF GOVERNMENTAL EXPERTS
PRESENTATIONS: New Zealand: Helen Plume noted her country?s responses to climate change, including a carbon tax to be introduced in 2007. She drew attention to New Zealand?s unique circumstances and highlighted the need for flexible solutions, while emphasizing that all the major emitters should be involved in the process and that broad participation is essential. "
PRESENTATIONS: New Zealand: Helen Plume noted her country?s responses to climate change, including a carbon tax to be introduced in 2007. She drew attention to New Zealand?s unique circumstances and highlighted the need for flexible solutions, while emphasizing that all the major emitters should be involved in the process and that broad participation is essential. "
Green and mean
Today's Budget will include a new tax on the carbon content of fossil fuels.
The rationale is to set up a means of sending price signals to consumers to conserve energy and to electricity generators to invest in renewables (or geological sequestration).
But in the area where a price signal would do most good, forestry, the silence is deafening. Climate-change policy in that key sector is a shambles.
The forestry industry is in the glum position of someone who has lost a dollar but found a cent.
The cent is the foreshadowed promise that the Budget will give the industry $20 million over the next five years.
Grandly entitled the Forestry Industry Development Agenda, it includes funding for such 'industry good' purposes as market access and development, skills and training, bio-energy and encouraging excellence in wood design in the construction industry.
It will require the industry to contribute an extra $3.8 million. "
Today's Budget will include a new tax on the carbon content of fossil fuels.
The rationale is to set up a means of sending price signals to consumers to conserve energy and to electricity generators to invest in renewables (or geological sequestration).
But in the area where a price signal would do most good, forestry, the silence is deafening. Climate-change policy in that key sector is a shambles.
The forestry industry is in the glum position of someone who has lost a dollar but found a cent.
The cent is the foreshadowed promise that the Budget will give the industry $20 million over the next five years.
Grandly entitled the Forestry Industry Development Agenda, it includes funding for such 'industry good' purposes as market access and development, skills and training, bio-energy and encouraging excellence in wood design in the construction industry.
It will require the industry to contribute an extra $3.8 million. "
Third party joins Trans Tasman Power deal
Powerco and Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd today announced the appointment of Industrial Research Limited, in New Zealand, in conducting the field trials of Australasia?s first fuel cell powered domestic generator.
This is a key step in the deal between energy developer Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited (CFCL) and Powerco Limited in what will be the first field trials of CFCL?s world-leading fuel cell technology.
CFCL have contracted Industrial Research Limited (IRL) to provide local support for the installation and operation of CFCL?s fuel cell powered micro-CHP (small combined heat and power) units in New Zealand.
IRL is New Zealand?s leading industrial scientific research company, with experience in a broad range of technology solutions, including fuel cells."
Powerco and Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd today announced the appointment of Industrial Research Limited, in New Zealand, in conducting the field trials of Australasia?s first fuel cell powered domestic generator.
This is a key step in the deal between energy developer Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited (CFCL) and Powerco Limited in what will be the first field trials of CFCL?s world-leading fuel cell technology.
CFCL have contracted Industrial Research Limited (IRL) to provide local support for the installation and operation of CFCL?s fuel cell powered micro-CHP (small combined heat and power) units in New Zealand.
IRL is New Zealand?s leading industrial scientific research company, with experience in a broad range of technology solutions, including fuel cells."
Alexander Gillespie: NZ maintaining the right Kyoto Protocol approach
The Perspectives article by Bryan Leyland and Chris de Freitas suggesting that the new carbon tax is riddled with contradiction and will have no benefit displayed a misunderstanding of the way that international law works, and was selective in its attempted scaremongering.
Their first contention was that the reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol would have no effect on global warming. If the protocol was the end of the road as it was negotiated in 1997, this would be the case. But, like many other international legal instruments, it will evolve to meet the emerging scientific, economic and political needs of the global community.
The protocol on the table is only the beginning of an international process that could take decades to conclude. The solutions to this problem are not easy and, unfortunately, cannot be based on science alone. "
The Perspectives article by Bryan Leyland and Chris de Freitas suggesting that the new carbon tax is riddled with contradiction and will have no benefit displayed a misunderstanding of the way that international law works, and was selective in its attempted scaremongering.
Their first contention was that the reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol would have no effect on global warming. If the protocol was the end of the road as it was negotiated in 1997, this would be the case. But, like many other international legal instruments, it will evolve to meet the emerging scientific, economic and political needs of the global community.
The protocol on the table is only the beginning of an international process that could take decades to conclude. The solutions to this problem are not easy and, unfortunately, cannot be based on science alone. "
Carbon Tax will damage economy - Shirley
The Labour Government's foolish adherence to the Kyoto Protocol and their flawed carbon tax proposals are poised to deliver serious damage to the New Zealand economy with no beneficial outcome, ACT Energy spokesman Ken Shirley predicted today.
Market instruments such as carbon taxes can be effective tools to change behaviour if the market is allowed to operate. Instead Labour nationalised the carbon credits of the forestry sector thereby removing any incentive or encouragement to increase planting and the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide, Mr Shirley said."
The Labour Government's foolish adherence to the Kyoto Protocol and their flawed carbon tax proposals are poised to deliver serious damage to the New Zealand economy with no beneficial outcome, ACT Energy spokesman Ken Shirley predicted today.
Market instruments such as carbon taxes can be effective tools to change behaviour if the market is allowed to operate. Instead Labour nationalised the carbon credits of the forestry sector thereby removing any incentive or encouragement to increase planting and the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide, Mr Shirley said."
Carbon tax doesn't reflect urgency on climate: Gr
The carbon tax, while a welcome baby step, will not stop polluting, coal-fired power projects like Marsden B and our greenhouse gas emissions will still continue to climb, Greenpeace said today.
'Scientists warn we only have ten years to act on climate change and the Government has acknowledged this urgency. Yet they have set the carbon tax at a level they know will be ineffective and then capped it there for the next seven years,' said Greenpeace climate campaigner Vanessa Atkinson.
The Government also today acknowledged that the carbon tax would not stop coal-fired power stations. "
The carbon tax, while a welcome baby step, will not stop polluting, coal-fired power projects like Marsden B and our greenhouse gas emissions will still continue to climb, Greenpeace said today.
'Scientists warn we only have ten years to act on climate change and the Government has acknowledged this urgency. Yet they have set the carbon tax at a level they know will be ineffective and then capped it there for the next seven years,' said Greenpeace climate campaigner Vanessa Atkinson.
The Government also today acknowledged that the carbon tax would not stop coal-fired power stations. "
Carbon tax will only work if its recycled properly
The economic impact of the Government's new carbon tax will depend on how it is recycled through the economy, Green Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said today.
'This is an opportunity to begin a tax shift away from enterprise and income and on to ecologically undesirable activities,' said Ms Fitzsimons, the Green Party's Climate Change Spokesperson, 'which has been the Greens' policy for more than a decade'."
The economic impact of the Government's new carbon tax will depend on how it is recycled through the economy, Green Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said today.
'This is an opportunity to begin a tax shift away from enterprise and income and on to ecologically undesirable activities,' said Ms Fitzsimons, the Green Party's Climate Change Spokesperson, 'which has been the Greens' policy for more than a decade'."
Yet another tax for NZ economy
Why is it necessary for Labour, which has already collected an extra $50 billion in taxes during the past 6 years, to wallop Kiwis with yet another tax? asks National Party Finance spokesman John Key.
The imposition of Labour's new carbon tax will put us at a significant competitive disadvantage to our major trading partners, the United States and Australia, who have both rejected carbon taxes."
Why is it necessary for Labour, which has already collected an extra $50 billion in taxes during the past 6 years, to wallop Kiwis with yet another tax? asks National Party Finance spokesman John Key.
The imposition of Labour's new carbon tax will put us at a significant competitive disadvantage to our major trading partners, the United States and Australia, who have both rejected carbon taxes."
Meridian Energy Welcomes Carbon Tax Announcement
State-owned power generator and retailer Meridian Energy says the $15 per tonne carbon tax announced by the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change Pete Hodgson makes New Zealands renewable energy resources more valuable than ever.
And Meridian chief executive Keith Turner says the carbon tax will bring greater certainty to the planning for new electricity generation in this country."
State-owned power generator and retailer Meridian Energy says the $15 per tonne carbon tax announced by the Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change Pete Hodgson makes New Zealands renewable energy resources more valuable than ever.
And Meridian chief executive Keith Turner says the carbon tax will bring greater certainty to the planning for new electricity generation in this country."
Climate Change Tax Welcomed
The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has welcomed the Government's announcement regarding the proposed Carbon Tax.
'Knowing the start date and the rate for the new tax removes a significant uncertainty for business and consumers,' said Garry Law, Climate Change Director for EDS.
'Investments in new projects will now be able to be made knowing the future price of carbon.
'EDS welcomes the commitment to make the tax fiscally neutral. This means that government is effectively replacing taxes on things we want more of - like income - with taxes on things we want less of - like pollution. In this case the details of tax reductions elsewhere are yet to be announced. But the idea of taxing 'bads' is a positive move.
'A pollution tax like this one also gives business more opportunities to reduce their overall tax burden. If they become more efficient in their use of energy or use renewable energy sources then their tax burden will reduce. This makes good sense and should be welcomed by most businesses.
The Society also welcomed the commitment to recycle the tax and redirect some of it to stimulate energy saving projects.
'New Zealand's action on reducing carbon emissions has been relatively modest compared to many other countries. This is an opportunity to catch up.
'The announcement that other greenhouse gases from industrial processes would also be within the scope of the tax is a new and welcome move.
The Society noted that the current price of European Community pre-Kyoto carbon credits was about NZ$28.00 a tonne of CO2, in contrast to the New Zealand's proposed tax rate of $15.00 per tonne.
'The Government ap"
The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has welcomed the Government's announcement regarding the proposed Carbon Tax.
'Knowing the start date and the rate for the new tax removes a significant uncertainty for business and consumers,' said Garry Law, Climate Change Director for EDS.
'Investments in new projects will now be able to be made knowing the future price of carbon.
'EDS welcomes the commitment to make the tax fiscally neutral. This means that government is effectively replacing taxes on things we want more of - like income - with taxes on things we want less of - like pollution. In this case the details of tax reductions elsewhere are yet to be announced. But the idea of taxing 'bads' is a positive move.
'A pollution tax like this one also gives business more opportunities to reduce their overall tax burden. If they become more efficient in their use of energy or use renewable energy sources then their tax burden will reduce. This makes good sense and should be welcomed by most businesses.
The Society also welcomed the commitment to recycle the tax and redirect some of it to stimulate energy saving projects.
'New Zealand's action on reducing carbon emissions has been relatively modest compared to many other countries. This is an opportunity to catch up.
'The announcement that other greenhouse gases from industrial processes would also be within the scope of the tax is a new and welcome move.
The Society noted that the current price of European Community pre-Kyoto carbon credits was about NZ$28.00 a tonne of CO2, in contrast to the New Zealand's proposed tax rate of $15.00 per tonne.
'The Government ap"
Forest Sinks Legislation
Hon Pete Hodgson: Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change
Bill to provide for Kyoto trading opportunities and permanent forest sinks
Those looking to trade in emissions units, and investors in permanent forest
sinks, are set to benefit from a Bill tabled in parliament today.
The Climate Change Response Amendment Bill expands current legislation to
allow for individuals and organisations to hold accounts of Kyoto emissions
units. This will help those awarded units under the government's Projects to
Reduce Emissions programme participate in the international trade in them.
The same will apply to units awarded in the future against permanent forest
sinks or under Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements.
The Bill also puts in place the provisions necessary for Kyoto units to be
passed on to those who establish new permanent forests.
"The government decided back in 2002 to adopt a transitional approach to
exposing the New Zealand economy to the international price of emissions.
Doing nothing while waiting for international markets to develop would leave
us having to make a larger change in much less time. By introducing a
carbon tax from 2007, we can begin to prepare our economy for the future at
least cost," says Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete
Hodgson.
Allowing the transfer of Kyoto emissions units for establishment of
permanent forest sinks should also deliver environmental and economic gains.
"This will provide a direct incentive for forestry investment in New
Zealand. The same applies to farmers and land owners who want to make better
economic use of land not suitable for clear fell forestry or other types of
agriculture."
"Not only might this deliver economic benefits to landowners, it should help
efforts to improve biodiversity, soil and water conservation, flood
protection and the development of sustainable special purpose timber supply.
These benefits are all consequences of this government's decision to ratify
the Kyoto Protocol."
Hon Pete Hodgson: Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change
Bill to provide for Kyoto trading opportunities and permanent forest sinks
Those looking to trade in emissions units, and investors in permanent forest
sinks, are set to benefit from a Bill tabled in parliament today.
The Climate Change Response Amendment Bill expands current legislation to
allow for individuals and organisations to hold accounts of Kyoto emissions
units. This will help those awarded units under the government's Projects to
Reduce Emissions programme participate in the international trade in them.
The same will apply to units awarded in the future against permanent forest
sinks or under Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements.
The Bill also puts in place the provisions necessary for Kyoto units to be
passed on to those who establish new permanent forests.
"The government decided back in 2002 to adopt a transitional approach to
exposing the New Zealand economy to the international price of emissions.
Doing nothing while waiting for international markets to develop would leave
us having to make a larger change in much less time. By introducing a
carbon tax from 2007, we can begin to prepare our economy for the future at
least cost," says Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete
Hodgson.
Allowing the transfer of Kyoto emissions units for establishment of
permanent forest sinks should also deliver environmental and economic gains.
"This will provide a direct incentive for forestry investment in New
Zealand. The same applies to farmers and land owners who want to make better
economic use of land not suitable for clear fell forestry or other types of
agriculture."
"Not only might this deliver economic benefits to landowners, it should help
efforts to improve biodiversity, soil and water conservation, flood
protection and the development of sustainable special purpose timber supply.
These benefits are all consequences of this government's decision to ratify
the Kyoto Protocol."
Business Council Welcomes Carbon Tax
The Business Council Welcomes the Announcement of the Carbon Tax as a first step towards a Cap and Trade regime
The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development (the Business Council) has welcomed the announcement of the carbon tax for introduction in 2007 because it will enable business to plan early for its effects and make changes to reduce dependence on carbon based fuels."
The Business Council Welcomes the Announcement of the Carbon Tax as a first step towards a Cap and Trade regime
The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development (the Business Council) has welcomed the announcement of the carbon tax for introduction in 2007 because it will enable business to plan early for its effects and make changes to reduce dependence on carbon based fuels."
Forest industry offered $18m deal
The Government has put a new plan on the table for forest industry development. It will put in $18 million over five years if the industry comes up with $3.8 million.
A new Forest Industry Development Agenda has been set up to pick up the work of the Wood Processing Strategy, and replaces the Forest Industry Framework Agreement. These initiatives are attempts to coordinate the Government's links with New Zealand's third biggest export industry, and tap government funding.
The forest agreement foundered because it was tied up with Kyoto protocol issues, the source of bad feeling between the industry and government as forest owners argue the Government took their carbon credits. The Wood Processing Strategy did work on a range of issues, including training and roading. "
The Government has put a new plan on the table for forest industry development. It will put in $18 million over five years if the industry comes up with $3.8 million.
A new Forest Industry Development Agenda has been set up to pick up the work of the Wood Processing Strategy, and replaces the Forest Industry Framework Agreement. These initiatives are attempts to coordinate the Government's links with New Zealand's third biggest export industry, and tap government funding.
The forest agreement foundered because it was tied up with Kyoto protocol issues, the source of bad feeling between the industry and government as forest owners argue the Government took their carbon credits. The Wood Processing Strategy did work on a range of issues, including training and roading. "
Carbon tax - questions and answers
Why a carbon tax ?
New Zealanders want economic prosperity that also protects the environment and our quality of life. Globally, we cannot continue our present course of ever-increasing emissions without serious environmental, societal and economic impacts. "
Why a carbon tax ?
New Zealanders want economic prosperity that also protects the environment and our quality of life. Globally, we cannot continue our present course of ever-increasing emissions without serious environmental, societal and economic impacts. "
$4.45 million for carbon tax mitigation
The government today announced the scale of the pilot grants, training and education package to help energy intensive small and medium size enterprises take up energy saving technologies to offset the impact of the carbon tax.
$4.45 million will be made available for the pilot programme over the next three years.
'The government realises that there are a number of energy intensive small and medium sized enterprises that might be adversely affected by the tax. While many larger companies are applying for Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements, the transaction costs involved for individual smaller companies might be prohibitive. "
The government today announced the scale of the pilot grants, training and education package to help energy intensive small and medium size enterprises take up energy saving technologies to offset the impact of the carbon tax.
$4.45 million will be made available for the pilot programme over the next three years.
'The government realises that there are a number of energy intensive small and medium sized enterprises that might be adversely affected by the tax. While many larger companies are applying for Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements, the transaction costs involved for individual smaller companies might be prohibitive. "
Government adds detail to 2002 carbon tax policy
The government today gave further detail on its carbon tax policy, first announced in 2002, and released a consultation paper on technical implementation design.
'Climate change is a direct threat to the New Zealand environment, economy, and way of life. This government takes that threat seriously and is acting responsibly to protect New Zealand?s interests, says Convenor, Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson. 'We stand by commitments made by successive governments to act. We are proud to be one of 150 nations that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol.' "
The government today gave further detail on its carbon tax policy, first announced in 2002, and released a consultation paper on technical implementation design.
'Climate change is a direct threat to the New Zealand environment, economy, and way of life. This government takes that threat seriously and is acting responsibly to protect New Zealand?s interests, says Convenor, Ministerial Group on Climate Change, Pete Hodgson. 'We stand by commitments made by successive governments to act. We are proud to be one of 150 nations that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol.' "
Carbon tax speech
Hon Pete Hodgson
Today the Government announces further implementation details of the carbon tax; a policy first announced in 2002.
Climate change is a direct threat to the New Zealand environment, way of life and economy. This government takes that threat seriously. That is why New Zealand, along with 149 other countries, is acting responsibly and has made a start on limiting the extent and impact of this global problem through ratifying the Kyoto Protocol. "
Hon Pete Hodgson
Today the Government announces further implementation details of the carbon tax; a policy first announced in 2002.
Climate change is a direct threat to the New Zealand environment, way of life and economy. This government takes that threat seriously. That is why New Zealand, along with 149 other countries, is acting responsibly and has made a start on limiting the extent and impact of this global problem through ratifying the Kyoto Protocol. "
Implementing the carbon tax
Government consultation paper.
The closing date for submissions is 8 July 2005.
Government consultation paper.
The closing date for submissions is 8 July 2005.
"Telecom 'wins' Roger award:
A panel of activists has named Telecom as the 'winner' of their annual Roger Award for the 'worst trans-national corporation'.
The results of the award for the company the judges say had 'the most negative impact in New Zealand' during 2004 were announced last night.
Electricity and gas company Contact Energy took second place.
Meanwhile, Contact had 'run an ideological campaign against Kyoto (Treaty) and the use of renewable energy resources... running a crusade to convince the public that coal fired power stations are the only option for a secure "
A panel of activists has named Telecom as the 'winner' of their annual Roger Award for the 'worst trans-national corporation'.
The results of the award for the company the judges say had 'the most negative impact in New Zealand' during 2004 were announced last night.
Electricity and gas company Contact Energy took second place.
Meanwhile, Contact had 'run an ideological campaign against Kyoto (Treaty) and the use of renewable energy resources... running a crusade to convince the public that coal fired power stations are the only option for a secure "
