Harper's Bazaar: Canadian Budget Tosses A Few Green Goodies
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 03.20.07
There was something for everyone in the pre-election budget released by Stephen Harper's so-called Conservative government. The biggest item of interest to TreeHuggers is the new Hummer Tax, stolen from the Green Party Handbook- gas guzzlers like the Grand Cherokee, Hummer or BMW M5 get hit with a $ 4,000 surcharge, while little sippers like a Yaris or Mini Cooper get a bonus of a grand and a Prius or Honda Hybrid get two grand from the feds and in combination with other grants, up to $ 4,000 off list. To keep from offending the rural voter, pickups are exempt, so we will see a lot more of those on the road.
Corn Cob Bob is happy; ethanol got a two billion dollar boost. Others less so: Aaron Freeman of Environmental Defence says "If you want to subsidize corn producers thats fine, but it is barely an environmental program." The oil companies are happy; a tax break they were afraid would be withdrawn does not go until 2010, and is being replaced with a new break for investment in carbon capture and storage projects.
All round, something for everyone unless you were hoping for a carbon tax or greater incentives to reach Kyoto targets. Off to buy my Smart Car! ($2,000 discount!)
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
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The problem with the environmental change isn't just the government, to get elected all they have to do is create the illusion that they are doing something. It is great that 40 percent of the population feels the environment is an important issue. Unfortunately 70% of the population feels that it is up to someone else to solve the problem. The power to change things in a timely manner belongs to the general public, companies will bend to public pressure, but with so much of the population leaning towards it being someone else's problem the road is going to be a long continue-ly warming struggle.
Richard M