The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport decided Saturday to establish a study group to examine European-style taxes aimed at preserving the environment.

The ministry is particularly interested in learning more about the rationale of fuel taxes and how the revenues are used, ministry officials said.

Representatives from aviation, automobile, marine transport and railway industries will be invited to participate in the study group, which is expected to be launched in early February.

One senior ministry official emphasized that the study group is not a precursor to government policy.

"We don't intend to draw any conclusions (from the European experience)," he said.

European countries currently impose an environment tax on gasoline and other fossil fuels in a bid to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Japan has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent and debates over the matter are expected to flare up after the government enacts domestic legislation, expected in 2002, to enforce greenhouse gas reduction measures.

While preparations for environment tax legislation will likely take place in the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, officials at the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry also intend to contribute.

"We won't be able to join the debate without knowing what other countries do," the official said.