Quote:
Originally Posted by 1overcosc
Carbon taxes have the same effect on the poor but a worse effect on the economy, so I'd say they're a worse option.
The government is about to introduce a 20% electricity discount for low-income households (replacing the 10% discount for everybody). In any case, as electricity in Ontario is already mostly carbon-free as a result of the coal phase out, the effect on electricity prices is small.
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Cap and Trade still is a tax, but the money for GHG credits goes between companies and the province only gets the tax on the transaction. And as the article I posted said, it still wont help the environment, as any company that doesnt want to pay to get extra credits they just move to Manitoba, or the US; thus there will still be a negative effect on the economy.
That discount is all and well, but 20% off 500 is still 400. Plus the fee isnt just for the production of the electricity, but all the products required to distribute it. Those materials will increase in price because of their production and trasportation costs. And considering how much work needs to be done on electrical distribution infrastructure it will likely negate the 'greeness' of our production.
And I dont believe electricity is the biggest issue with a Cap and Trade system, but the effect it will have on food prices. Since farms are companies, they will be given an allocation of emissions they are allowed and thus will be required to pay to get more credits if needs; as will the transport trucks that move the food to market.
Im curious how the government will measure emissions? Meters on all tail pipes or what?