Carbon emissions fees will be implemented starting next year, but the exact details are still being decided. That's the word from Environment Minister Chang Tzi-chin (張子敬) on Wednesday. Chang says the Environmental Protection Administration will propose details within half a year.
In mid-February, the Climate Change Response Act was officially enacted. Part of the act includes introducing a carbon tax, which will charge entities if they reach a certain amount for direct and indirect carbon emissions.
Chang says authorities are analyzing different methods to collect the carbon fee. One method they are considering is taxing companies in proportion to the amount of carbon they produce. Another method is offering discounted carbon fees if businesses invest in equipment that produces less emissions. Chang says authorities are still evaluating the methods and will look for feedback from the public in the future.
Chang says regulators will start collecting carbon fees next year because they still need time to prepare for its implementation. They also want to have a domestic system of carbon fees to put Taiwan in a better position to negotiate with the EU and others with similar environmental measures.