The Canadian province of British Columbia has announced it will implement a carbon tax beginning in July that could lead to a cut in greenhouse-gas emissions of about 3 million tons in the next five years. The tax is expected to bring in as much as $1.8 billion over the next three years by increasing the price of almost all fossil fuels in the province, though it's designed to be revenue neutral and won't raise funds for clean energy like Quebec's carbon tax. Instead, to enhance its appeal to consumers, B.C.'s carbon tax is being paired with a $100 rebate as well as a range of tax cuts. Officials hope to change consumers' habits for the better. "If you start to change your lifestyle even modestly ... you will have extra dollars in your pocket," said B.C. Finance Minister Carole Taylor. Critics stressed that industrial emissions from oil, gas, and cement production will not be taxed under the plan and that carbon prices will be relatively light at $10 per ton beginning in July and increasing to $30 per ton by 2012.
Canada, a Tax!
British Columbia unveils carbon tax 4
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Posted 6:57 AM on 20 Feb 2008
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Wolverine Posted 4:49 am
20 Feb 2008
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pcarbo Posted 8:39 am
21 Feb 2008
I think being "revenue neutral" is a great move. It sends a message that carbon taxes can play the role of ordinary taxes, except that they discourage greenhouse gases, not profits.
That being said, there it would be a bit of stretch to say the proposed carbon tax is revenue neutral.
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geobeck Posted 3:28 am
26 Feb 2008
This is a well-intended but poorly-implemented pigovian tax, and its only result will be to increase the cost of products on store shelves everywhere--because commercial truckers, who will be hardest hit, will pass the cost on to their customers.
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dbaker Posted 9:55 am
08 Mar 2008
The Citizens whom pay this tax, do not wish to subsidize existing fossil fuel technologies.
The only ethical use of this money is as Quebec does, othewise its just theft.
dennis baker
penticton BC
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