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Phanama · 07-24-2021, 12:36 PM

The New Green Sheen
By Nora Silve
Saturday, 24 July 2021

The Prime Minister's speech in May outlined measures affecting electricity generation, public transportation and industry.

Phanama — Just over 60 days ago, Prime Minister Marchionne delivered a speech, presenting a set of measures that would help lower Phanama’s carbon footprint. Those measures would be implemented unless there was a formal objection within the following 100 days and, as of today, there has been none. As a result, Phanamans are essentially saying:

'No' to fossil fuels in electricity generation

In June 2021, 31.7% of Phanama’s electricity came from fossil fuels, primarily from oil. With the new measures and fossil fuel phase-out plan, all of Phanama’s electricity will come from renewable sources (primarily hydropower and wind) by 2037. People working in fossil fuel-powered power stations will receive retraining so that they can move to the renewable energy sector if they choose to do so.

'No' to fossil fuels in transportation

Another area that the new measures focus on is transportation. A tax of 11 ramesos* will be levied on all domestic flight tickets, to encourage people to use greener means of transport when they want to get around the country.

Fossil fuel-powered water vessels will be replaced by their electric counterparts, or by other means of transport. Electric ferries are already being used on Lake Freska, and are expected to reach Lake Natans soon. A more robust electric train system has been proposed, giving more people a greener transportation alternative.

On the road, expect more bike lanes and wider sidewalks. All municipal bus fleets should be fully electric by the end of 2027, with the transition already taking place in some towns and cities. Regarding electric vehicles, the federal government plans to build more fast-charging stations, and offer free charging for electric cars; electric vehicles will also be granted free parking in some parts of Spiritus.

As for fossil fuel-powered vehicles, each province has its timeline for the phase-out and eventual ban of fossil fuel-powered cars; 2027 is the final date in Lenium and District 4, the end of 2029 in Declevis, Greenville and Spiritus, and 2032 in Actora and Vesper. Nonetheless, all fossil fuel-powered car owners are encouraged to switch to greener alternatives and send their used cars for recycling, as soon as possible.

*11 ramesos = $7.86

'Yes' to a carbon tax

A carbon tax has also been proposed; carbon dioxide emitters will be charged based on their emissions, in an attempt to encourage people to reduce their carbon emissions. The tax will be set at 70 ramesos** per tonne of carbon dioxide emitted, and the tax rate will be revised at the end of each year. It will come into effect on 1 June 2022.

According to the Prime Minister’s speech, there will be no increase in overall taxation, since the carbon tax revenue will be used to lower other taxes.

**70 ramesos = $50

Should the 30th of August pass without any formal objections — such as a popular initiative or provincial legislation opposing the proposed measures — these proposals will become a reality, hopefully setting Phanama on a greener course.

Phanama
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