Gas Tax

Animals as a category? Yes.

I found this when Ryan forwarded me the link about the formerly hirsute sheep. (His name should've been Samson). Extreme Shearover, baby.

New Zealand has proposed a new gas tax.

New Zealand's farmers have criticised a proposed tax on the flatulence emitted by their sheep and cattle. The move is part of the Wellington government's action to meet its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol on global warming.

Scientists estimate that methane emitted by farm animals is responsible for more than half of the country's greenhouse gases.

Flatulence from cows, sheep and other ruminants is a serious environmental problem, accounting for about 15% of worldwide emissions of methane - one of the most potent of greenhouse gases.

Last year New Zealand signed up to the Kyoto Protocol, and agreed to reduce production of such gases.

The proposed flatulence tax is expected to raise NZ$8.4m a year ($4.9m) from next year.

How's it break down? Check out da cow pictorial.

I'd better not take my cat Aurora to New Zealand. She has that special signature way of letting you know she's around.

And, yes, Pixy, I do know this is close to home. I'm sorry - it just had to be blogged. And, you, Samson, quit emitting.

hln

Posted by hln at April 28, 2004 12:13 PM | Animals | TrackBack