TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's deputy economic minister warned on Thursday (Jan. 23) that slashing the budget would reduce the number of companies receiving carbon reduction guidance by 5,000 and impact energy-efficient appliance subsidies. He urged the Legislative Yuan (立法院) to approach budget reviews rationally.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (經濟部) faced a 10% cut from its nearly NT$15 billion net-zero budget for 2025, driven by opposition parties. Deputy Economic Minister Lien Ching-chang (連錦漳) stated that the Taiwan Power Company's (台灣電力公司) budget reduction leaves electricity rate adjustments to the Electricity Rate Review Committee, with domestic impacts yet uncertain.
The National Climate Change Committee's (國家氣候變遷對策委員會) third meeting saw six ministries report concerns over cooperation levels among businesses, with budget cuts potentially hindering carbon reduction.
Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) noted that 90% of 500 high-carbon emitters, including 281 companies, are willing to cooperate in lowering carbon fees. Peng remains committed to ongoing communication. Meanwhile, the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under President Trump has prompted Taiwan's administrative team to monitor potential policy shifts closely.