Wed, Jul 05, 2006
Fuel Tax, Emissions Trading Scheme Proposed
On Tuesday, the
European Parliament discussed the possibility that airlines would
soon be required to pay a tax on jet fuel as part of a pilot
program aimed at combating greenhouse gas emissions.
Reuters reports the parliament also gave its support to
proposals by the European Commission to include airlines in its
emissions trading scheme, which requires industries to trade for
rights to emit carbon dioxide.
The proposal is aimed at bringing airlines into accordance with
standards set by the Kyoto Protocol -- which does not cover
international aviation. Supporters say airlines should be bound to
the agreement anyway, as emissions from jet exhaust are projected
to climb in the next several years.
To prevent airlines from buying up trading rights from airlines,
the parliament suggested setting up an airline-specific
trading system on a trial basis -- as a way to insure airlines work
within the industry to reduce greenhouse emissions. Airlines would
also be limited by the number of permits each carrier could
purchase.
"A separate, closed system for aviation is crucial at the very
least as a pilot scheme," said parliament member Caroline Lucas,
who sponsored the resolution.
The parliament's vote on the matter -- in which a majority of
lawmakers voted in favor of adopting such regulations -- carries no
legislative weight... at the moment.
It IS considered a signal of support by EU lawmakers, however,
for future environmental regulations on airlines... which is likely
not only of concern to European airlines, but for those across the
pond, as well.
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