Global Warming Taxes: The Beginning

This is just too good to pass up:

BRUSSELS, April 3 (RIA Novosti) - The government of Belgium’s French-speaking region of Wallonia, which has a population of about 4 million, has approved a tax on barbequing, local media reported.

Experts said that between 50 and 100 grams of CO2, a so-called greenhouse gas, is emitted during barbequing. Beginning June 2007, residents of Wallonia will have to pay 20 euros for a grilling session.

The local authorities plan to monitor compliance with the new tax legislation from helicopters, whose thermal sensors will detect burning grills.

Scientists believe CO2 emissions are a major cause of global warming.

Where to begin? First off - how many “grams of CO2″ will be emitted by those helicopters buzzing around to ensure compliance?

[Update 04/04/07:  This is apparently a hoax - thanks to reader Mike for commenting.  It goes without saying that the rest of the post (below) is still relevant.  Furthermore, I think it speaks volumes that the (hoax)story posted above didn’t generate more buzz than it did - it is exactly what people have come to expect from the global warming alarmist culture]

This isn’t the first time a global warming tax has been proposed or legislated. Some energy companies have even caved to the idea of a global warming tax. And in New Zealand, an initiative set to go into affect this month adds 6-9% to household energy prices as a global warming tax. These taxes are apparently intended to lower energy consumption. But where does the money go? That question never gets answered.

Just this week, Time magazine published a list of 51 things you can do as part of its “Global Warming Survival Guide“. Number 5 was pay more taxes:

A 10% flat carbon tax might reduce the demand for carbon about 5% or less, according to an analysis by the Carbon Tax Center, an environmental advocacy group. That may not be enough. Businesses and governments haven’t figured out how the two competing regimes can work together, but in the end, the world may need both.

But again, where will the millions/billions in revenue go? The article doesn’t say.

An editorial recently published in a Vermont newspaper (Warming will be excuse for new taxes) examines the real motivation behind such taxes:

Here is how it could work. Our actions are blamed for global warming. That’s when guilt will take over. The pronounced dire consequences of global warming will allow fear to overtake us. As victims we will then comply with whatever lawmakers require, which could mean new taxes, fines or punishments.

[…]

Our homes will be prime targets. Square footage will see a new tax. Heating oil will be additionally taxed. Emissions spewing lawn mowers could require a costly new permit.

All vehicles will be taxed or fined. So will recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles, ATVs and travel trailers.

Everything, absolutely everything, will be tied to global warming. That means virtually everything could see a new Vermont tax, fine or punishment.

The Vermont Legislature may follow Al Gore’s suggestion to impose a new “carbon tax” on all Americans.

If we thought the Patriot Act took away some of our freedoms, just wait until this plan kicks in.

Get ready to see many more taxes, fees, charges, and other limitations enacted in the name of “global warming”; this is just the beginning.

Technorati Tags: Global Warming, Global Warming Skeptic, Climate Change, Global Warming Tax