This is one of those times that I think the USA got it right.
If you want to target pollutants, target the manufacturers.
The states did it and mandated better fuel economy and cleaner emissions on vehicles available for sale in the states by a certain deadline. Any vehicles at that point that could not meet those targets would become ineligible for import, or if made domestically, unable to be sold.
The same can be done for other areas, such as coal power plants, steel manufacturing, whatever. Make the manufacturers adapt and adopt newer "green" technologies. Those that do adapt may even be able to undercut those that don't as processes may become way more efficient, and those that don't/won't adapt and face fines will become more expensive to the end base consumer.
Putting a consumption tax on the end users changes nothing. As mentioned before, my buddy isn't going to suddenly sell his 2.0L motorcycle and buy a vespa, nor am I going to sell my truck to buy a ford tranit. This tax scheme will not change end user behaviors as it is not punitive enough. Change the gas tax to $0.40 a liter increase, and then you will start to see meaningful change, but just look to Vancouver or the Maritimes to see how even that doesn't change anything.
Force the change at the point of origin or manufacture, and THAT will have a 100% penetration into the general public and make a FAR better impact.
As it is now, it is just a redistribution of wealth that does nothing for the environment.
And just as a side note, the Ford EcoBoost is a direct result of the CAFE legislation enacted in the states for better fuel economy and emissions. And you can't tell me that it is a shitty engine. Also, the huge uptick in Hybrid and electric vehicles are a direct result as well. And these are all vehicles that are talked about with great excitement in the community and in the public.
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