[LMagic007]

Originally Posted by brianidaho

I agree with you with respect to leveling the playing field with respect to tax breaks, they should be eliminated for both alternative and fossil fuel production methods. I disagree with the carbon tariff however...it's another con job designed to line someone's pockets, while penalizing those who actually produce something.

1. The problem is that for a very long time, the fossil fuel industry has had favoured treatment in terms of tax credits and a favourable regulatory environment from governments. So simply making it all level now, still gives them an unfair advantage over new renewable energy technology which is starting from a relatively low base of its technological evolution and needs to play catch up. It's also widely accepted that we must accelerate the increasing contribution of our clean energy base, to help tackle CO2 emissions. Many countries have mandated clean energy targets and dates and in order that such targets and dates are met, stronger incentives are required to influence the course of the industry to help achieve the goals set. As is often applied in government to influence the course of the private sector, the carrot and the stick methodology, with the tax credits and rebates being the carrot and the carbon tariff being the stick.

2. The other thing is that the fossil fuel industry has also received a hidden carbon and pollution tax credit. The fossil fuel industry has not been held to account for its environmental impacts. That is a government failure, but nonetheless it's a cost that is borne by the world. Its part of the very reason, the world is scrambling around to combat contributing factors to Climate Change. i.e. CO2 and other polluting emissions. This is a cost to be more significantly borne by future generations and I suspect now even the current particularly younger generation. This one reason is why carbon tariffs are required. i.e. to help drive clean energy technology and dissuade carbon air polluting practices by energy companies. We have all sorts of regulations in this world, that dictate what we produce, how we produce etc... so a carbon tariff is no different in that respect. The carbon tariff simply recognises that what man does can impact the environment upon which he relies upon for his ultimate survival, being the same environment that will be left for future generations to contend with.

3. On the matter of farmers, I agree that obviously they are bound by government regulation at all levels. However outside matters of regulation, it's their choice.