Why are the Greens blocking the fuel tax increase?

While we support a stronger price signal on fuel use, this proposal binds all of the funds raised to road expenditure.

Wouldn't a price increase on petrol cut down on fuel use?

Only if the funds were used to provide alternatives! With this proposal Tony Abbott want to make using the road more expensive but only use the funds raised to make more roads.

Senator MILNE (Tasmania-Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens) (11:44): I rise today on what is an historic day in the Australian parliament in the Senate. This is the day when the Senate will begin to consider the clean energy package and will start delivering on real action on climate change in Australia as these bills pass. It is an historic day in Australia and globally because it is the day on which the seven-billionth is expected to join us on the planet. We live on a finite planet and the non-renewable resources of the earth are under huge pressure.

The Government and Opposition have combined to vote down a Senate Inquiry into vehicle fuel efficiency standards moved by the Australian Greens today.

"The Labor and Liberal lowest common denominator approach on fuel efficiency standards should be very worrying to Australians concerned about petrol prices," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

The Australian Greens today welcomed the government's first steps in the broad community consultation on vehicle fuel efficiency standards agreed as part of the Clean Energy Future package.

Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said "As climate change and peak oil begin to bite, it's vitally important for governments to help the community both use their cars less and drive the most efficient cars possible.

Christine Milne revs up the crowd at the "Don't be taken for a ride" bike ride today, arranged in response to the convoy of no confidence.

A substantial cut in the fuel tax credit for miners, taking the first steps towards helping Australians get into more efficient cars and a review of the fuel excise system are key components of the MPCCC agreement to put a price on pollution announced today.

"This carbon price package delivers some important progress in getting Australia on the road to cleaner transport," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

Christine Milne talks to ABC News Radio's Marius Benson about the government choosing to exclude fuel from the carbon price but agreeing to examine fuel excise.