1. Expansion of the use of natural gas as fuel for cars, urban buses and light duty trucks ----- Detail
Natural gas is a fuel used in a market of about 200,000 cars, specifically ordinary petrol cars converted to dual fuel system and a limited number of urban buses, with a network of 300 filling stations. The policy (1) coordinates environmental agreements with the automotive industry and gas distribution companies, (2) reduces greatly the excise taxes on natural gas for transport use, and (3) seeks to increase the number of filling stations and new lines of natural gas cars.
2. Environmental taxation based on carbon content of fossil fuels ----- Detail
Environmental taxation based on carbon content of fossil fuels was introduced to reduce CO2 emissions. The duty is about 10 lire/kg CO2 for methane, 50 for all other liquid fuels based on the carbon content of the fuels, but reduced to 4 and 14 for electricity production. Some sectors (steel and refineries) are partly exempted from the duty. There is no increase in total taxation because of a reduction of labor.
3. Obligation to meet a set proportion of electricity requirements with that produced from renewable sources ----- Detail
An obligation to meet a set proportion of electricity requirements (fixed at 2% starting from 2002) with electricity produced from renewable sources has been imposed on all producers or importers with capacity above 100 MW. The aim of this policy is to expand the generation from renewables with a system of incentives compatible with market liberalization. The obligation may also be met by the purchase of "green certificates".
4. Expansion of the use of biomass in heating systems and in industry ----- Detail
The policy aims to change conventional fossil fuel heating systems to modern biomass (using wood base pellets) for heating and to co-fire biomass with coal and other fuels for big boilers.
5. Stabilization of urban automobile traffic. ----- Detail
As the automobile is the main choice for private urban mobility, it is planned to promote alternative forms of private mobility in the urban environment, through restriction of car access to parts of cities, increased parking fees in cities, and promotion of alternate means of private transportation (bicycles, electric mopeds).
6. Expansion of the existing network of rapid mass transportation, in urban areas ----- Detail
It has been decided to upgrade the existing network of rail transportation and construct a new infrastructure to meet the demands of commuter traffic in the urban environment.
7. Voluntary agreement with industry ----- Detail
A series of agreements between the Environmental Ministry and industrial associations to reduce specific CO2 emissions was signed. Voluntary agreements aim to achieve improvements in energy efficiency and avoid unnecessary additional regulations. Agreements have been signed with glass and car manufacturers. Negotiations are ongoing with the chemical and electricity sectors. |
