THE climate change minister has shunned moves by BHP to weaken emissions trading systems at an Australian Industry Group conference in Canberra.
Mining operations are big carbon producers, and will be affected by the emissions scheme, set to commence in 2010.
BHP chairman, Don Argus, believes a carbon tax system should be considered over the European Union-style ‘capture-and-trade’ system currently favoured by the government.
But the climate change minister has rejected the proposal, firmly endorsing a national cap system that aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050.
The minister says BHP’s suggestion goes against the United Nations [www.un.org] process on climate change, and damages Australia’s credibility by asking other countries to cut their emissions while increasing its own.
The government’s proposed scheme will cap emissions, and reduce output allowances over time.
The plan is currently undergoing economic modelling before a final report is published later in 2008.
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