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EU to cap airline CO2 emissions from 2011
| Posted on the off-chance that Europe still matters. |
BRUSSELS - The European Union will require all airlines flying in its territory to monitor their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from 2010 and to join the blocs emissions trading scheme in 2011, the EU executive is proposing.
| The nameless, faceless executive can propose this secure in the knowledge that the people of the EU have absolutely no say in how their continent is run. |
The European Commission proposal, a draft of which was seen by Reuters on Tuesday, said a cap would be set on the number of pollution permits issued to airlines based on average 2004-2006 aviation emissions. That cap would come into effect in 2011, it said. From 2011 emissions from the aviation sector will be subject to a cap and aircraft operators will be required to surrender allowances to cover their emissions, the draft said.
| Thus paying a tax that the 'executive' doesn't care to levy directly. |
The EUs current scheme -- its key tool to battle global warming and meet emissions reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol -- puts a limit on the amount of CO2 big polluters such as power plants and oil refineries can emit. But it excludes airlines -- also major polluters.
The Commissions proposals would include all international flights landing in and departing from the EU as well as all domestic flights, the draft said. Military flights and planes that seat fewer than 20 people or weigh less than 20,000 kg at take-off would be excluded. Airlines would be able to buy permits from other sectors and make use of other trading mechanisms available under the Kyoto Protocol, which does not cover international aviation.
It said legislation currently being drafted by the Commission on airport charges would likely address airline emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX). But it said if such measures did not end up being adopted, airlines could be required to submit extra CO2 allowances to make up for their NOX pollution.
Because they wouldn't want an airline to wiggle away without paying the jizya tax. |
The United States has opposed EU plans to add aviation to the system.
Posted by: Steve White 2006-11-15 |
