Merkel stands firm on nuclear tax plan

German Chancellor Angela Merkel stood by plans for a tax on nuclear power as debate intensified over her government’s energy policy following public criticism by leading business people.

A plan to raise €2.3bn with a nuclear fuel tax was the only 'proposal on the table' and was part of fiscal consolidation efforts, Germany’s chancellor said in a television interview on the 22 August 2010, in response to opposition from large power utilities.

ESO: Background information: Berlin May Extend Reactor Lifetimes by 14 Years http://www.europeansources.info/record/berlin-may-extend-reactor-lifetimes-by-14-years/

Deutsche Welle, 22.8.10: Merkel attempts to calm split over planned nuclear tax http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5932834,00.html

Spiegel Online International, 19.8.10: Merkel Tries to Regain Upper Hand in Energy Debate http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,712643,00.html

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