Emissions scheme gets full approval

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Series Details Vol.9, No.25, 3.7.03, p2
Publication Date 03/07/2003
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Date: 03/07/03

By Karen Carstens

MEPS yesterday (2 July) unanimously approved a key emissions trading scheme that brings the EU one step closer to meeting its Kyoto climate targets and creates the world's first market on the right to pollute.

"With this scheme, the carbon economy is born in the EU," rapporteur MEP Jorge Moreira da Silva said after the vote.

The proposal will allocate energy providers, such as refineries, an allowable greenhouse gas emission quota, which they may trade with other companies.

Refineries and large factories in sectors such as steel, ceramics and glass would have to curb their CO2 emissions, or pay to emit more as of 1 January 2005.

"The EU gives a clear signal to the rest of the world - especially the United States - that we take global warming seriously," said Dutch Green deputy Alexander de Roo.

MEPs approved on 2 July 2003 a legislative resolution on a directive establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading paving the way for the agreement with Council outside of a Conciliation Committee.

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