France Raises Tax on Industrial Energy Consumption

France unveiled a plan on January 20 to fight global warming by raising taxes on industrial energy consumption. Under the plan, taxes will go into effect in 2001, though companies under heavy competitive pressure will be able to avoid the tax by focusing on reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The plan also aims to improve public transit, boost fuel economy of vehicles, and promote research into sustainable energy sources. The goal is to meet the Kyoto Protocol target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10% from 1990 levels by 2010.