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2007 tipped for govt decision on replacement for carbon tax policy
The Minister for Climate Change says it's likely to be at least another six months before a decision is made on a replacement for the carbon tax policy.
A proposed carbon tax on fossil fuel to help pay for the cost of New Zealand's climate change obligations was dropped after last years election due to a lack of political support.
A radio New Zealand Political Reporter says the government is set to give an indication in a couple of weeks of its thinking on possible alternatives. One option already suggested is a much narrower tax on specific industries."

IPENZ Engineers New Zealand
Incorporating Climate Change Predictions into Engineering Design - Multiple venues
Climate change will affect the natural and built environments and challenge the ability of engineers to plan, design and construct infrastructure and systems that will protect people from harm and maintain acceptable standards of economic well being.
Engineers working in the fields of river, coastal, stormwater and water supply engineering are increasingly being called upon to incorporate climate change predictions into their investigation, design planning and asset management.
NIWA, Opus, the Ministry for the Environment and IPENZ have set up this seminar.

CO2 case before US Supreme Court
The US Supreme Court is to consider whether to force the government to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from energy producers and cars.
A dozen states and environmental groups asked the court to take up the case after a lower court ruled against them. "

Minister to unveil carbon tax II
The Government is poised to announce a revised version of its scrapped carbon tax. It will target energy generators and is likely to lead to an increase in fuel and power bills.
Energy Minister David Parker yesterday told a parliamentary select committee that officials were working through options for the tax and a proposal for consultation would be outlined in the next two months. "

Climate change - Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand
New Te Ara feature - recommended - Climate change by Brett Mullan and Kynan Gentry
The climate is the result of a finely balanced system, but natural events and human activities can tip the balance. The biggest factor affecting the future climate is global warming. The face of New Zealand could change remarkably if temperatures rise by even the smallest part of a degree."

Farmers oppose wind farm
A group of Mahinerangi residents were 'very strongly opposed' to Trustpower's proposed wind farm in their area, resident spokesman Bob Reid said yesterday.
'Most farmers in the immediate area are opposed to it,' he told a meeting of the Clutha District Council district assets committee.
The first problem was size.
It was difficult to get details from the power company but the turbines could be as high as a 45-storey building, he said.

Farmers oppose wind farm
A group of Mahinerangi residents were 'very strongly opposed' to Trustpower's proposed wind farm in their area, resident spokesman Bob Reid said yesterday.
'Most farmers in the immediate area are opposed to it,' he told a meeting of the Clutha District Council district assets committee.
The first problem was size.
It was difficult to get details from the power company but the turbines could be as high as a 45-storey building, he said. "

Mataura lignite mine restart possible
Solid Energy has spent more than $16 million since November buying six properties in Eastern Southland, putting it in a prime position to restart its lignite mine at Mataura.
Quotable Value New Zealand senior valuer Andrew Ronald, of Invercargill, said five of the properties, including farms and lifestyle blocks, were south-west of Mataura. "

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