France sees initial carbon tax at 14 euros per metric ton [View All]

Source: Reuters

PARIS (Reuters) - France plans to set a proposed carbon tax at 14 euros ($19.9) per metric ton of carbon dioxide starting from next year, Prime Minister Francois Fillon said in an interview to be published by Figaro magazine.

A special advisory panel, headed by former Socialist Prime Minister Michel Rocard, had recommended billing 32 euros for every metric ton of carbon dioxide emitted in 2010 and lifting the levy gradually to 100 euros per metric ton by 2030.

"We have decided to apply the tax in a progressive manner. Starting with the price per ton on the market, that is to say 14 euros," Fillon said in the article set to appear in the magazine's Saturday edition.

The proposed tax has sparked heavy criticism from intensive users of fuel such as farmers and fishermen who will see the cost of a liter of petrol rise as a result.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5815IE20090903