No systemic change in climate policy: Center shoots down Pfister’s plan

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The plans of Mitte President Gerhard Pfister (61) for a systemic change in climate policy are torpedoed from within their own ranks. Pfister suggests the federal government ask consumers to pay for CO₂ emissions starting in 2030. However, the Environment and Energy Committee (Urek) of the Council of States rejects the project.

Because the CO₂ law expires in 2030, a new solution is needed. In this context, Pfister presented a new idea, which he recently presented again in the “Tages-Anzeiger”. From 2030, the federal government must impose an incentive tax on all greenhouse gas emissions on Swiss territory and on all flights departing from Switzerland.

Switzerland must break new ground

The federal government would regularly adjust the level of taxes, depending on whether emissions fall so quickly that Switzerland becomes climate neutral by 2050 at the latest. All imported products would also, depending on the CO2 level,₂-The emissions contained therein are subject to tax.

The revenues from the tax would in turn fully flow back to the population and the economy. Anyone who lives a climate-friendly lifestyle will receive more money back from the federal government at the end of this year than the taxes cost them.

On the other hand, those who travel in ways that harm the climate, such as flying a lot, driving a gasoline car instead of an electric car, or using an oil heater instead of a heat pump, would be financially punished. “If Switzerland wants to remain credible, it must take new paths to become climate neutral by 2050,” says Pfister.

Party member Rieder opposes Pfister

However, the plan received little support on Friday in the responsible committee of the Council of States. Of the actual thirteen members, only three voted in favor and three against, and two more abstained. Pfister’s plan was ultimately rejected by committee chairman and party colleague Beat Rieder (60).

Rieder explains in his committee report that the concept of a general climate tax is an attractive approach. However, it is “across the board in terms of time and content” of the ongoing review of the carbon law. In the spirit of “a pragmatic policy”, the Commission aims to further develop existing measures and rejects such systemic change.

However, Rieder and his committee do not want to close the door completely: they are nevertheless open to exploring various options for the future design of climate policy. Moreover, part of the Commission would like to take the project further as it expects that the consistent application of the polluter pays principle will make significant progress in the transition to net zero emissions. But Pfister’s plan appears to be in trouble.

Source:Blick