French LR deputy Yannick Neuder intends to introduce a bill to create a fund financed by tobacco manufacturers to support fire and rescue services. The proposal follows reports from the French Minister of the Interior on July 30 stating that 117,000 hectares have been burned by fires in France since the start of the season, though other reports indicate forest fires have covered approximately 120,000 hectares since the beginning of the year.
The proposed tax would represent 2% of the selling price of cigarettes. According to Yannick Neuder, 17% of smokers admit to throwing cigarette butts out of their vehicle windows. The lawmaker stated on X that those who produce billions of these butts must contribute via a turnover tax.
Estimated fund generated by the proposed tax on tobacco manufacturers
The fund would be used for the regeneration of wetlands and forests, the decontamination of soil and water, and purchasing equipment for firefighters. Yannick Neuder stated the money could support local authorities, associations, the National Forests Office (ONF), the National Center for Forest Property, and Sdis.
Philip Morris France stated that imposing a new tax on manufacturers will not change the individual behaviors responsible for these situations. The company noted that tobacco manufacturers already finance an eco-organization with nearly 80 million euros per year for cigarette butt collection and consumer awareness.
Those who produce these billions of cigarette butts must finally take their share
