US carriers are pleased with the "vague wording" of draft legislation on a domestic emissions cap and trade proposal. They see it as an opportunity to influence the scheme, even though they are opposed to the use of economic measures to cut greenhouse gases.
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) vice-president for environmental affairs Nancy Young says she is encouraged that US Representatives Henry Waxman and Edward Markey, who recently published the draft bill, appear open to industry input.
"We view this as an opportunity to work with them to better shape this bill for the aviation community," she says.
The Waxman and Markey proposal would establish a tradable permits programme to reduce global warming pollution from aircraft and aircraft engines, oil companies, other modes of transport, electric utilities and large industrial sources of pollution.
However, the draft does not set industry-specific goals, and does not outline how to allocate tradable emission allowances. Members of the US House Energy and Commerce Committee plan to discuss that framework as they complete consideration of the legislation by 25 May.
The ATA has been reminding legislators of industry investments in alterative fuels such as Continental Airlines' biofuel blend demonstration flight in January. The trade group also continues to remind legislators that carriers increased fuel efficiency by 110% between 1978 and 2007, and will increase fuel efficiency by another 30% up to 2025.
However, the organisation remains concerned that the cap and trade mechanism has the potential to drain resources from airlines that otherwise could be used for avionics compatible with the next generation (NextGen) air traffic control system, more energy-efficient aircraft and/or alternative fuels.
"If you legislate or regulate in a vacuum, you're going to miss a big part of the picture and not necessarily get the right touchstones," Young says.
Passage of the legislation is uncertain this year as Congress focuses on the economic downturn. However, President Barack Obama has identified promoting renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on foreign oil priorities for his administration.
Source: Flight International
