Everyone in Britain could be given a personal 'carbon allowance'

The Telegraph
Nov. 10, 2009

Everyone in Britain should have an annual carbon ration and be penalised if they use too much fuel, the head of the Environment Agency will say.

Lord Smith of Finsbury believes that implementing individual carbon allowances for every person will be the most effective way of meeting the targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

It would involve people being issued with a unique number which they would hand over when purchasing products that contribute to their carbon footprint, such as fuel, airline tickets and electricity.

Like with a bank account, a statement would be sent out each month to help people keep track of what they are using.

If their “carbon account” hits zero, they would have to pay to get more credits.

Economist Ruth Lea, of Arbuthnot Banking Group, said: ‘This is getting beyond a joke.

‘This is all about the control of the individual – and you begin to wonder whether this is what the green agenda has always been about. It’s Orwellian. This will be an enormous tax on business.’

...Continued