FACTBOX-Timeline for Australian carbon trading

Thu Jul 3, 2008 11:21pm EDT
 
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July 4 (Reuters) - Australia's left-leaning Labor government has promised to introduce national carbon trading by 2010 in order to curb Greenhouse gas emissions.

Here is a timeline of the path to carbon trading in Australia.

2007

- Former conservative government of John Howard proposes carbon trading by 2012, and promises a 15 percent clean energy target by 2020, up from its old target of 2 percent. His government announces a phase-out of incandescent light bulbs. But he refuses to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

- Labor's Kevin Rudd promises to ratify Kyoto, introduce carbon trading by 2010, and set a 20 percent renewable energy target by 2020. Labor also promises to cut emissions by 60 percent of 2000 levels by 2050, but does not set an interim emissions target for 2020.

Nov. 24 - Rudd leads the left-leaning Labor Party to victory at national elections, ending nearly 12 years of conservative rule.

Dec. 3 - Rudd is sworn into office, and immediately signs documents to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Penny Wong is appointed Minister for Climate Change.

2008

March - Government-industry consultations start on emissions trading.

July 4 - Government adviser Ross Garnaut, an economics professor, releases his draft report on carbon trading after a 15-month inquiry.

July 16 - Climate Change Minister Penny Wong due to release green paper on policy options for carbon trading.

August - Treasury modelling on the economic impact of carbon trading to be sent to government and Garnaut.

September - Final Garnaut report due by Sept. 30.

December - Public release of draft legislation. Government expected to announce emissions target for 2020.

2009

March to July - Carbon emissions laws considered by parliament.

- Ongoing consultation on carbon trading regulations

New laws to come into force in third quarter, 2009, and regulator to be established.

2010

- Carbon trading to start.

 

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