In what was supposed to be the foundation of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's environmental policy, the French government has dropped plans for a carbon tax.

We're looking at perspectives from France 24, The New York Times and the Guardian.

Many had doubts about the plan after France's constitutional court ruled it a violation of equality in December. In an article for The New York Times, the French Prime Minister says the tax would have put France at a disadvantage.

"The country’s environmental policy needed to be better coordinated with the European Union, particularly so that French companies do not lose ground against their German counterparts."

Mr. Sarkozy's party underwent a humiliating loss in recent elections, a factor France 24 says might have led to the decision. 

"President Sarkozy's government was trashed in elections. He wants to re-prioritize and reconnect with voters. That means tackling double digit unemployment and budget deficits, not carbon taxes."

And while many on the right are expressing relief at the announcement, France's leading green groups have already critisized the president for his decision. In an article for the Guardian, France's ecology minister expressed her anger.

"I am in despair over this step back, in despair that eco-scepticism has defeated it... I am not onside with this decision."

With the announcement, the UMP said the carbon tax would be "Europe-wide or not (exist) at all." A report for France 24 looks at whether a carbon tax could be in Europe's near future.

"It's now up to Brussels to pick up where Sarkozy left off. A Europe wide carbon tax will need all 27 member states to agree. But Britian has already rejected the idea."

Written by: Marlena Kopacz

Produced by: Newsy Staff