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Australia goes Green

I love this article about Australia (Reuters) and I think that this is a worthy of mention under the Corporately Green section. While some might say that it does not go far enough, my view is that at least it is a government taking some proactive steps to help reduce the effect on the environment

New tax laws came into effect in Austria on July 1 aimed at encouraging people to buy more fuel-efficient cars and penalising drivers who buy “dirty” vehicles.

Consumers who buy cars that emit less than 120g/km of CO2 and less than 60mg/km of nitrogen oxide stand to pocket tax bonuses of €500 (about R6200) each.

But buyers of vehicles that emit more than 180g/km CO2 must pay a penalty of €25 (R310) per gram over 120g/km – as much as €10 000 (R125 000) for the most polluting cars 

The new legislation is intended to cut carbon emissions by 33 000 tons a year and could also generate €21-million (R262-million) in additional tax revenues for the government.

The opposition Green party, however, insists the “carrot and stick” system doesn’t go far enough. The Greens estimate it will only apply to about 20 percent of new vehicles, since most new cars emit from 120-160g/km of CO2.

At the same time, the city of Vienna has said it will offer a €1000 (R12 500) bonus to residents who buy natural gas-fuelled cars or convert their cars to run on natural gas.