The CO2 Act has been fully revised several times since the 2000 CO2 Act. On 15 March 2024, the National Council and the Council of States agreed on a new legal text that will enter into force on 1 January 2025.
Article 1 of the CO2 Act states that its purpose is to implement the objectives set out in the Federal Act on Climate Protection Goals, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security (Switzerland's climate framework law). Article 3 set outs quantified greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets: 50% reduction by 2030 (compared to 1990), and 35% on average betwen 2021 and 2030 (compared to 1990). It also states that the Federal Council may set benchmarks for individual sectors.
Other measures include: vehicle emissions limits and ETS. The Act also provides an exemption for companies for the CO2 levy, if they commit to reducing their greenhouse gases in return. They would need to inform the federal government via an annual report, and submit a decarbonisation plan within three years of the start of the reduction commitment, outlining the measures they will take to significantly reduce GHG emissions from the energy use of fossil fuels by the end of 2040. There is also q requirement to update this plan every three years.
This Act also includes an amendment to the Unfair Competition Act, which now bans statements about climate impact that cannot be substantiated (i.e., there is an obligation to provide evidence of proof of such climate claims).
