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[June 2004]
BCC Pushes Case for Improvements to EU Emissions Trading Scheme
The British Ceramic Confederation (BCC) has written to the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Trade & Industry calling on the British Government to support the ceramic industry's demands for a more equitable and balanced implementation of the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme.
BCC is concerned that, as currently drafted, the scheme could have serious consequences for the competitiveness of the UK ceramic industry. Amongst the requirements which BCC argues still need to be addressed are:
» Exemption from the first phase of EU ETS for installations and companies covered by Climate Change Agreements.
» The complexity and confusion which would result from the parallel operation of Climate Change Agreements and the EU ETS.
» Deferment until the second phase of the EU ETS of any requirement to reduce process CO2 emissions to allow for the development of proper methodologies for both quantification and reduction.
» A commitment to ensure that the competitiveness of UK Industry is not adversely affected, particularly in relation to the scope and standard of implementation in other Member States.
Kevin Farrell, the BCC Chief Executive, commented: "We are seeking assurances from Ministers that UK Industry will not be disadvantaged by an ill-thought out implementation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The potential implications for our member companies are very serious. They have already demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment in helping the Government fulfil the UK's obligations as a signatory to the Kyoto agreement on greenhouse gases.
"As participants in Climate Change Agreements they have signalled their determination to meet energy reduction targets of 10% by 2010 and have invested significantly, both in new capital equipment and manpower resources, to meet that objective. The Industry now deserves the support of Government in ensuring that it is not placed in jeopardy by having unrealistic demands placed upon it under the EU ETS."
ENDS