TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) announced on Monday (Oct. 14) an estimated annual carbon fee collection of NT$6 billion. He emphasized that the funds will not be squandered but used efficiently for carbon reduction initiatives.
The Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee of the Legislative Yuan (立法院社環委員會) invited Peng and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部) to discuss the carbon fee charges.
Several legislators proposed that the Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) submit an annual report to the Legislative Yuan on the execution and improvement plans of the "Greenhouse Gas Management Fund" (溫室氣體管理基金). The ministry has committed to this request.
Peng plans to invite government departments and NGOs to discuss the allocation and use of carbon fees.
Peng stressed the importance of scrutiny, stating they want to allocate funds for something other than local park construction or unrelated matters. This approach aims to ensure the proper use and performance of the fund.
The MOENV completed its review of the carbon fee rates on Oct. 7, recommending NT$300, NT$50, and NT$100 per ton of carbon for general, preferential A, and preferential B rates, respectively.