WEIRD NEWS: The Fart Tax

WEIRD NEWS: The Fart Tax

Cow farts and burps are going to cost New Zealand farmers an arm and a leg if a government-proposed bill is passed.

Prime Minister Jacinda Arden announced a plan this week that will make farmers pay for their livestock's gas emissions in an effort to combat climate change. Methane emitted by cows and other farm animals accounts for about half of New Zealand's gas emissions. Arden says the tax isn't intended to punish farmers but instead meant to incentivize them to do a better job of reducing emissions. And the tax dollars that are collected will be “recycled back into the agriculture sector through new technology, research and incentive payments to farmers."

New Zealand is a major exporter of beef and dairy cows and farm groups object to the tax proposal saying it will destroy the industry and "rip the guts out of small-town New Zealand. (Fox Business)

Scott's Thoughts:

• This doesn't sound complicated at all. Farmers should just ask the cows very nicely to stop farting. Problem solved.
• Can't they just give the cows Beano?
• How is this even enforced? Will there be fart police force patrolling farms?
• Hope they don't start this for people. My dad will be broke!