South Australia's premier has rejected speculation of a state-based emissions trading scheme, saying such a model is likely impossible in Australia.
"Frankly there are some very substantial constitutional barriers which would prevent us from introducing such a scheme," Jay Weatherill told South Australian Parliament on Tuesday.
The comments come after InDaily reported last week that SA Environment Minister Ian Hunter was exploring the concept of a state-based or interstate ETS and had sought research on the idea.
Mr Hunter had reportedly been analysing the US state of California and the Canadian province of Quebec, both of which have emissions trading models that are linked for inter jurisdictional trade.
While Mr Weatherill put the state-based idea to bed during parliament sitting time, he was quick to reinforce South Australia's push for a national ETS to reduce carbon emissions.
"It is the most efficient way of ensuring that we reduce carbon pollution in our atmosphere, which is a threat to our nation and indeed the world."
Mr Weatherill said the "overwhelming consensus" of people who have looked honestly at tackling climate change decided a market-based model, such as carbon pricing or emissions trading, was best.
He mentioned conservative leaders Margaret Thatcher, John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull among those people.
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