ETS Review: European Paper Industry Commends Rejection of Tiered Approach
(Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 13, 2016) Today’s vote in the European Parliament marks a major stepping stone for the ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) review.
“This message reads loud and clear: NO to a tiered approach on carbon leakage and YES to a dynamic and predictable benchmark’s reduction,” says Nicola Rega, Climate Change and Energy Director representing the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI).
The proposed flexibility in setting the auction share together with proposed solutions to help member states with compensation for indirect carbon costs and the wider-ranging fund for innovation are also welcomed by our industry.
We recognize the efforts made towards reaching a broad political agreement embracing almost all the political groups. This is a very positive signal as it demonstrates the strong consensus behind this vote. We fully congratulate the rapporteur, Frederik Federley and shadow rapporteurs Esther de Lange, Edouard Martin and Hans-Olaf Henkel for their commitment to achieving a common position.
Although these are positive developments, more work needs to be done to address the text’s shortcomings, particularly on benchmarks, the impact of the cross-sectoral correction factor and on effective compensation for indirect costs across Europe.
A significant investment challenge lies ahead for European manufacturing industry to transform its production base and regain competitiveness. We will constructively engage with policy-makers to ensure industry’s viability and that the ETS rewards low-carbon investments. We urge the ENVI Committee to seize the opportunity to build upon ITRE’s lead and to put the ETS on a pro-investment track.
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) is a Brussels-based non-profit organization regrouping the European pulp and paper industry and championing industry’s achievements and the benefits of its products. Through its 18 member countries (17 European Union members plus Norway) CEPI represents some 505 pulp, paper and board producing companies across Europe, ranging from small and medium sized companies to multi-nationals, and 920 paper mills. Together they represent 23% of world production. To learn more, please visit: www.cepi.org (Source: Confederation of European Paper Industries)
