TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan will forge ahead with its planned carbon fee implementation, Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) declared Thursday (April 24), reaffirming the island's dedication to climate action despite shifting global dynamics. Speaking at the fourth meeting of the National Climate Change Committee (國家氣候變遷對策委員會), a key governmental climate policy body, Peng emphasized Taiwan's determination to maintain its environmental course even as the United States has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement.
Minister Peng revealed that Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), head of Taiwan's cabinet, has thrown his full support behind the carbon fee initiative, highlighting its long-term industrial advantages rather than merely its environmental impact. Drawing inspiration from Japan's model, Taiwan aims to implement the fee structure while minimizing disruption to manufacturing sectors. The government has scheduled the official launch for May 31, 2026, complementing it with incentives through the Statute for Industrial Innovation (產業創新條例) to facilitate companies' transitions toward net-zero operations.
The government plans to conduct comprehensive impact assessments on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within 90 days after the carbon pricing mechanism stabilizes. These evaluations will inform customized guidance for businesses developing emissions reduction strategies and building low-carbon capabilities. Peng disclosed that the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, has already established a specialized task force dedicated to providing individualized assistance to more than 200 companies expected to be significantly affected by the new carbon fees, ensuring their smooth transition to greener operations.
Rather than viewing America's climate policy reversal as a setback, Minister Peng sees it as a strategic opportunity for Taiwan to establish competitive advantages through accelerated green and digital transformations. He outlined how the Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部) to provide comprehensive support systems for businesses navigating this transition. The government plans to leverage international expertise to strengthen and advance Taiwan's carbon reduction frameworks despite changing global dynamics. ★
