An Industry Ministry source said yesterday that the Fiscal Policy Office, Industrial Works Department and Chiang Mai University have completed the proposed law. It has already won endorsement from all stakeholders at the two public hearings held in September and October. The law, which puts controls only on wastewater and air pollution, lists tax rates that vary with the size of a plant and the quantity of its toxic emissions
“This issue has been prolonged since 2007 after both pros and cons were raised in imposing this kind of tax. The private sector seemed to think that this measure was unfair to them. However, we believe that they will accept this as another wau to reduce community resistance and improve the environment despite the higher operating costs,” he said.
The law, which puts controls only on wastewater and air pollution, lists tax rates that vary with the size of a plant and the quantity of its toxic emissions
Of the total taxes collected, 3 per cent will go to the Excise Tax Department, 25 per cent to the Industry Ministry as the budget for its plant audits, and the rest to a research and development (R&D) fund.
The source said the R&D fund would be used to improve environmental quality by building up the central waste-treatment facility and monitoring pollution. The fund will also provide low-interest loans for factories to meet environmental standards.
via Pollution tax to be enacted soon – Nationmultimedia.com.
