Don't expect APEC carbon trading deal: Govt


The US and Australia have snuffed out suggestions that an international carbon emissions trading scheme could be drawn up at this week's APEC forum in Darwin.
The 21 member countries taking part in the APEC meeting account for 40 per cent of the world's population.
But Australian Energy Minister Ian Macfarlane says no-one has raised the issue of a regional emissions trading scheme.
"I think it's something that countries will discuss but it hasn't been raised with me so far," he said.
Mr Macfarlane says most countries are focusing on securing their energy supplies.
New Zealand's Energy Minister, David Parker, wants to set one up if only to give industry certainty about where to invest their money.
"I think that emissions trading is an important instrument that gives an important signal to private enterprise," he said.
The United States has indicated it may set up a national emissions trading scheme, at least for cars.
US Energy Department representative Clay Sell says a recent Supreme Court Decision means it is possible for there to be national legislation on the issue.
"That is an argument for an appropriate federal response but that will play out over the coming months and years in Washington," he said.
Australian officials estimate that investment in renewable technologies will be worth $7 trillion over the next 22 years.
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