The government of Australia tried for a third time last week to charge for carbon emissions, releasing a new fixed-price plan to start in 2012. Prime Minister Julia Girrard said that carbon polluters would pay a fixed price starting in July 2012, then move to a market-based system within the next five years. The move faces opposition from conservative parties, who describe it as a "great big new tax." In addition, crucial details, such as the starting price, have yet to be agreed with the Greens. According to UPI, the tax will likely add at least $300 annually to household electricity bills and 26 cents a gallon to the price of gasoline. Australian electricity prices jumped almost 10% after the move was announced. However, Santos Ltd., Australia’s third-largest oil and gas producer, said the move was an "important step" necessary to "maintain Australia’s international competitiveness." The move comes on the heels of a wave of natural disasters in the country, including widespread floods and a massive cyclone. For the full story, see http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/24/us-australia-carbon-idUSTRE71N0QH20110224. For the UPI story, see http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Resource-Wars/2011/02/24/Australia-plans-carbon-pricing/UPI-29091298576793/. For Santos' comment, see http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-24/santos-says-australia-carbon-price-announcement-important-step-.html, and for industry's general reception, see http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/24/3148128.htm?section=justin. For the story on the electricity price jump, see http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFSYA00833920110224.