June 23, 2003 5:47 AM

They apparently got the idea from Michael Bloomberg

New Zealand farmers fume over flatulence tax

At least it can be said with all honesty that this idea stinks. If there were enough sheep In New York, I'm sure that Michael Bloomberg would be trying this.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) -- New Zealand farmers are being asked to cough up NZ$8.4 million ($4.9 million) a year to help reduce greenhouse effects caused by flatulence of their millions of sheep and cattle -- and they say the plan stinks.

Last year New Zealand signed the Kyoto Protocol on global warming and agreed to reduce production of greenhouse gases which are suspected of being a major cause of climate change.

Now the government plans to introduce a tax to help pay for research into livestock emissions of methane and nitrous oxide, which account for more than half of the country's greenhouse gases.

But farmers argue that reducing greenhouse gas emissions benefits everyone so all taxpayers should pay the freight.

How about a tax on Mexican food? Or lemonade stands?

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This page contains a single entry by Jack Cluth published on June 23, 2003 5:47 AM.

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