"Australian Government Sets a Price on Carbon Emisssions"

"CANBERRA -- 'The science is clear - our planet is warming. That warming is caused by carbon pollution, by human activity, and we need to cut carbon pollution,' said Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Sunday, announcing Australia's first price on carbon emissions.

The Clean Energy Agreement, a package of measures to limit carbon dioxide and high potency greenhouse gases, was released Sunday by the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee, including the leaders of the governing Labor Party, the Greens and two Independents. The Liberal and the National parties did not participate in the committee and are opposed to any price on carbon.

From July 1, 2012, about 500 big polluters will pay A$23 for every metric tonne of the greenhouse gas carbon dixoide they emit. The carbon price will apply to stationary power plants, most business transport emissions, mining and industrial processes."

Environment News Service had the story July 11, 2011.