[Greens-Media] Media Release Carbon Trading

[Annie Mayo]

Media Release
16 August 2006

Carbon trading won't cost the Earth, say Greens (WA)

Greens MLC Paul Llewellyn has called for a sensible and reasoned
debate on the carbon trading scheme proposed by the States and
Territories, warning against the Howard government's claims of
cost blowouts.

"We should be wary of predictions that the sky will fall in if
a carbon trading scheme is introduced," he said.

"If you look at past initiatives to deal with air pollution
there is a consistent record of their costs being overstated."

"When new smog controls on cars were introduced in the 1970's
they were predicted to add thousands of dollars to the cost
of a car. Instead cars have become more affordable and come
complete with increased efficiency and less emissions.

"Similarly in 1990, acid rain controls in the US were predicted
to cause a 'clean-air recession' because industry and the economy
would be put under too much financial pressure to comply," he
said. "Instead the controls cost only 10 per cent of the original
prediction and instead of a recession, the economy boomed.

"I can confidently predict that Australian companies will find
smart ways to reduce their carbon intensity while increasing
their profits. Our industry is as clever as any overseas,
and with good government support they can do it."

Paul Llewellyn MLC
0428 317 182
<pllewellyn at mp.wa.gov.au>