Equitist wrote on Mar 28
th, 2011 at 10:50am:
Soren wrote on Mar 28
th, 2011 at 10:46am:
You would have to triple the price of coal-generated energy to make renewables cost-effective.
If one factors in the billions of taxpayer-funded dollars injected into the coal and coal-fired-power industries to date, then renewables come out way in front in terms of cost-effectiveness as well as environmental responsibility and long-term economic sustainability...
But interestingly that is not what Gillard is suggesting. SHe just wants to tax carbon.
I am actually in favour of big tax breaks for R&D into alternative energy (not administered by the government,
a la pink bats, I hasten to add, but by a body that knows what's what with energy research). I am also in favour of being careful and not wasteful with our existing energy (or food, other resources, soil, water etc). Not to mention that it is plenty expensive already as it is.
But I am against simply slapping a tax on carbon-based energy, especially the way it is proposed by this government. After 4 years, I just can't imgine this mob getting anything right.
Rudd as PM?
Gillard as PM? Swan??? Garret??? Bob Brown as a coalition partner???? Costello was stupid to leave in a huff. He would be PM now.