Ma plans energy tax to cut waste

Shen Shih-hung, designated as the new chief of the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), said environmental protection and resource conservation are among the key elements of Ma's campaign platforms and policies.

This is why Ma plans to consolidated relevant government agencies into an "environmental protection and resources ministry," he said.

Shen acknowledged the obstacles and resistance to new policies that will cause higher costs and inconveniences for the people.

He plans to start from government agencies to gradually implement the measures like holding contests of public facilities and schools to encourage them to voluntarily take steps for energy and water conservation.

Installation of new gears to save electricity and water will be expanded.

In a move to defuse criticisms on Ma's plan to impose an energy tax, Ma's spokesman Lo Chih-chiang said this is a part of the president-elect's campaign platform.

Ma's advocating the policy was only drowned out by the commotions created by election rival who had mainly adopted a campaign tactic of focusing on personal attacks.

Lo welcomed opinions on the energy tax policy from all corners of society and said they would be taken into consideration in crafting the measures by related government agencies after Ma's inauguration May 20.

Concerning Economic Affairs Minister-designate Yiin's remarks that he will hike gasoline prices in one step, Lo said such an approach was that of a responsible administration.

But he also said the incoming administration will consider subsidies for low-income and underprivileged groups to help ameliorate the financial burden of higher gasoline prices.

Despite the continuously soaring price of crude oil on world markets, the outgoing DPP administration has imposed a freeze on gasoline prices since last November for fear of offending the voters and losing ballots in then approaching legislative and presidential elections.

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