The Government is attempting to soften the New Zealand public to a rise in taxes to enforce flawed environmental measures, ACT MP Gerry Eckhoff said today.

"Pete Hodgson today released figures purporting to show New Zealanders are happy to pay more in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"The Government spin machine is in overdrive, trying to scare people about the effects of climate change. Pete Hodgson needs to be honest: enforcing the unsound Kyoto Protocol would cause huge price rises for New Zealanders.

"The Kyoto Protocol commits our country to return emissions of greenhouse gases back to 1990 levels.

"Treasury papers released under the Official Information Act (attached) show that meeting 1990 carbon dioxide emission levels would require existing fuel consumption to be reduced by fifty per cent. Treasury says there are two ways to meet the target: either reduce traffic congestion (which would be extremely difficult), or increase petrol tax by 70 cents/litre.

"New Zealanders would not agree to pay 70 cents more for every litre of petrol, as Mr Hodgson desires.

"Pete Hodgson is committed to enforcing the flawed Kyoto Protocol no matter what the consequences are. Today's announcement is nothing more than devious spin from a Minister preparing to hike the price of petrol.

"Mr Hodgson needs to be honest with New Zealand," Gerry Eckhoff said.

Ends

© Scoop Media