More about Australia’s new carbon tax plan
Gillard says energy secure under carbon tax, ABC News, 12 July 11, Prime Minister Julia Gillard is adamant her plan to close coal-fired power stations will not threaten Australia’s energy supply. The Government says it wants to close some power stations, with Hazelwood in Victoria thought to be at the top of the list…..
And she says the transition to renewable energy “will be done in a measured way so that we have continuity of electricity supply so the lights stay on”.
“We’ll work with the regulators to make sure this is got absolutely right, so it will take some time,” she said……..
Why this is better than Rudd’s scheme, Sydney Morning Herald, Sarah Hanson-Young, a Greens Senator, July 12, 2011
There are more than 13 billion reasons why the climate package unveiled on Sunday is better at putting a price on pollution than its predecessor. For starters, there’s $10 billion for renewable energy projects. Unlike the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) proposed by the former Rudd government, this package lays the basis for science-based climate action.
The old scheme locked in weak targets for 15 years which could not be strengthened. There was no money for investment in renewable energy and next to nothing for energy efficiency measures……
Once this package passes Federal Parliament, it will send a signal to the world that Australia is serious about reducing its share of pollution. In addition to taking local action, Australia can continue working with other countries and the UN toward achieving global co-operation.
Until now, each state and territory has operated separate schemes that encourage households to use renewable energy such as by installing solar panels. The multiparty committee agreed to create the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. This will for the first time create a systemic, whole-of-government approach to renewable energy, from R&D to roll-out and planning, at arm’s length from the government.
There will also be an independent Climate Change Authority which will recommend targets and caps for when the scheme moves to flexible pricing….http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/blogs/gengreens/why-this-is-better-than-rudds-scheme-20110711-1haep.html#poll
Woodchips no longer a renewable energy fuel The Drum, by Dan Cass, 12 July 11, One of the most telling and historic parts of the carbon price deal was a tiny announcement, barely noticed in the media coverage. Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Greens announced yesterday that the carbon price package prevents native forest woodchips being counted as a renewable energy fuel.
This Greens initiative has saved Australia’s native forests from being burned as a renewable energy source, which is good news for conservation and also for the solar and wind industries……http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/2790222.html
Carbon storage seeks recognition as clean energy, ABC Rural News, By Babs McHugh, 12/07/2011 The research body behind the development of Carbon Capture and Storage in Australia wants the technology recognised as ‘clean power’ under the Clean Energy Future package.
A spokesman for the Minister for Climate change says the Federal Government ‘is retaining existing funding for CCS initiatives’ which is support for the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute and other projects.. ..http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201107/s3267531.htm
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