Ma plans energy tax to cut waste

Ma reiterated his policy of imposing an energy tax when igniting the flashing of "COOL" slogan on the Taipei 101 Tower at a ceremony Monday night to urge people to help "cool down the Earth" and prevent the constant temperature on earth from rising more than two degrees Celsius.

The slogans will flash for seven evenings in a row to raise public awareness on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, at an event held to mark Earth Day, which fell on April 22.

Ma emphasized the need to cut down the waste on resources as well as to promote energy efficiency and develop new and renewable energy sources.

The nation and people will regret and pay much higher costs if they take no quick action, he said.

He said that the revenue from the energy tax will be used exclusively for the purpose of developing sustainable energy.

He also announced a formula of limiting the daily per capita water consumption to 250 liters from the present 290 liters is under review.

Ma's proclamation of the energy and water policies has drawn diverse reactions.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party criticized Ma's policies and planned measures for ignoring the plight of rising living costs faced by the people.

But officials in the incoming Cabinet being organized by Premier-designate Liu Chao-shiuan said yesterday they have started mapping out measures in accordance with Ma's major policies.

Yiin Chii-ming, named as new economic affairs minister, said that he will hike gasoline prices in one stroke after assuming his post May 20 because he believes that free market mechanism is the best policy.

Details of the upcoming price increase will be announced after exchange views with executives of the state-owned oil company CPC Corp., he said.

The water bills will also be reviewed since low water costs have let the people inadvertently cultivate a habit of waste the valuable resources, he said.

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