Chambers of Commerce Response to Emissions Trading

20 September 2007

New Zealand Chambers of Commerce Response to Emissions Trading Scheme

The New Zealand Chambers of Commerce (NZCCI) has welcomed today’s announcement on climate change policy as a good first step towards the final policy response.

“We are pleased that government has been listening to a number of the points made by chambers and other business organisations including the need to apply the policy across the whole economy,” said Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO and NZCCI Director, Charles Finny.

“Many elements of what announced today are positive such as the treatment of the forestry sector the increased budget provisions for research applications for new technology, and the phased introduction of the Emissions Trading Scheme for those sectors facing the greatest adjustment needs.

“We are also encouraged that government is accepting that today’s announcement is a big picture one in that much detail needs to be worked out and that there is a commitment to work with interested parties in defining that detail.

“NZCCI is keen to engage constructively in that process and will work hard to assist government in meeting its end of year target for introducing legislation.

“We do however have a number of questions such as the realism of the $15 indicative price of carbon.

“We look forward to working through these questions in detail with government and other representatives of the business community in the weeks ahead,” Mr Finny concluded.

ENDS

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