Nats ETS policy pays heed to concerns

Business NZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says National’s emissions trading policy appears to have taken account of concerns expressed in select committee.

“Business NZ, along with many other submitters, requested a more measured approach than in the current Bill.

“We believe that more time should be taken to get the policy right so that taxpayers and businesses are not unduly penalised.

“We also believe that New Zealand, being an extremely carbon-efficient producer, deserves a scheme that rewards energy efficiency.”

Mr O’Reilly said the many individuals and groups that submitted to the select committee appeared to have been taken seriously in National’s policy.

“There is a lot of work to be done to get a scheme that works and I hope community and business groups will continue to work with decision-makers to get the best emissions trading scheme possible.”