Editorial|The government promises to continue preparations to reduce emissions, but at the same time it tightens the taxation of electric cars.
Petteri Orpo’s (kok) government will hardly go down in history as a climate-friendly government. There are more promises than deeds.
The government discussed next year’s budget less than a week ago. One global factor behind the use of money is climate change. The old wisdom is that the later pollution reduction actions are started, the more expensive they are.
At least in the budget and in the previously agreed solutions for next year, climate actions are not celebrated. Of course, the announcement of the budget campaign declared a readiness to “prepare” and “continue”: “The government will continue the preparation and implementation of reducing emissions and strengthening sinks in its energy and climate strategy.”
1.8 million of raw money was raised to enhance voluntary nature conservation and to increase privately funded nature restoration work. The government intends to respond with funding to the entry into force of the restoration decree.
However, many policies lead in the wrong direction. Next year, a change in the basic vehicle tax will come into force, which will lighten the taxation of medium and high-emission cars. The relief is small, but if you want to see a steering effect in the tax change, then it is that you want to keep the most polluting car stock on the roads for longer.
EThis year, the vehicle tax for fully electric cars and plug-in hybrids will be increased. The emissions during driving of these cars are very small and in Finland you can get emission-free electricity for batteries. The tax increase is not very large, but if you want to see a steering effect in it, it is that emission-free or nearly emission-free cars are made less attractive. Consumer interest in electric cars is already declining.
Industrial projects promoting fossil-free production are promoted with tax credits, which was confirmed in the budget rush. That’s fine, but this is more industrial policy than climate policy.
The editorials are HS’s positions on a current topic. The articles are prepared by HS’s editorial department, and they reflect the journal principle line.
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