The ecological tax reform: introduction, continuation and further development to an ecological financial reform

With its ecological tax reform, the German Government is aiming to encourage energy saving and efficient energy use, and to promote renewable energies. These pillars of the new direction in energy policy - together with the phase-out of nuclear power - are crucial for climate protection and for creating new jobs. Following the introduction of the ecological tax reform in 1999, the decision was taken to continue the reform until at least 2003. Furthermore, the Act on the Further Development of the Ecological Tax Reform entered into force in 2003, and the expansion to an ecological financial reform was initiated.