ACF

The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) welcomed the constructive proposal from the Australian Greens for an interim carbon tax while the design for the proposed emissions trading scheme is strengthened.

Last year ACF called on the Senate not to pass the carbon pollution reduction scheme (CPRS) unless it was significantly strengthened.

“The Greens proposal addresses the need to get the scheme right before it becomes law,” said Tony Mohr, ACF Climate Change Program Manager.

“Debate of the CPRS bill must move on from political point scoring and onto amendments that strengthen the scheme,” he said.

Mr Mohr said an interim carbon price will thaw the freeze on investment in clean technology to reduce greenhouse pollution until we have an effective CPRS.

“After Copenhagen, a comprehensive climate treaty that requires Australia to reduce emissions is a matter of when, not if.  The smart thing to do is to prepare Australia’s economy now.

“Climate change needs big, innovative solutions rather than a piecemeal approach. The bottom line for climate policy is the ability to achieve deep cuts in emissions, and an effective carbon price passes that test.

“Businesses want a green light to invest in clean technology, and Australians want a green light on emissions cuts. Both need a price on greenhouse pollution.

“The ACF urges all senators to find a way through the current deadlock on the CPRS to deliver effective action on climate change,” Mr Mohr said.