Posted on July 22nd, 2011
Legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday that would ban U.S. air carriers from participating in the European Union’s emissions trading scheme. The EU plans to impose a costly “carbon tax” on any civil aviation operators landing or departing from EU airports beginning on January 1. All civil aircraft would be forced to participate in the EU-ETS despite the objections of the U.S. government and now Congress. “This unjust European Union emissions trading scheme is a clear violation of international law that puts U.S. air carriers at a competitive disadvantage, kills U.S. aviation jobs and may lead to a trade war,” said Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Transportation Committee. The U.S. formally lodged protests at world climate meetings in Oslo, and members of Congress confronted EU leaders on the matter in other recent meetings. The bill also instructs U.S. officials to negotiate or take any action necessary to ensure U.S. operators are not penalized by any unilaterally imposed EU-ETS. NBAA said the House bill would also apply to business aviation flights to or from Europe. JetOptions is a member of the NBAA.
Tags: NBAA, european union carbon tax, emmision trading scheme, house of representatives legislation
