Political Feasibility of Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction

This study focuses on political feasibility of energy conservation and carbon reduction policies in Taiwan. Rational choice approach of the new institutionalism is adopted for the discussion of the related issues. Interviews with related policy makers and stakeholders of industry, environmental group and academe are conducted to explore the complex arena. This study found that several issues cause the decline and lack of trust among policy makers and related stakeholders on energy conservation and carbon reduction policies. These issues include: diverse preferences of policymakers, the impractical nature of the policy goals, lack of consensus about implementation strategy and policy tools, lack of information transparency, and unreasonable congressional caucus negotiation system. In order to enhance political feasibility of energy conservation and carbon reduction policy in Taiwan, it is recommended that, the government should establish a high level task force organization to integrate government activities of the policies and build up government trust among the public. It is also recommended that policy goals, implementation strategy and policy tools of energy conservation and carbon reduction policy need to be revised. Congressional caucus negotiation system also need to be improved.