Brussels, 01/08/2012 (Agence Europe) - The stand-off between the European Union and the countries which oppose the EU's emissions trading system (ETS) moved to another phase on Tuesday 31 July. The US Senate commerce committee voted for a law authorising the US transport secretary to prohibit American airlines from complying with EU climate legislation, which includes the ETS (see EUROPE 10667). This boycott immediately drew European indignation.
“Senate committee approves short-sighted Bill that could jeopardise action on airplane pollution”, immediately tweeted Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard. In the European Parliament, MEP Matthias Groote (S&D, Germany), who chairs the environment committee, commented: “The US Bill to allow their airlines to flaunt EU legislation is disrespectful and counterproductive” at a time when efforts are being made to try to come to an international agreement within the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation). “The EU and the US fully agree that an agreement within ICAO is the best solution, so let's work in this direction in good faith”, he added, pointing out that “we all stand to gain by minimising the effects of climate change”. His Parliamentary colleague and former chair of the environment committee Jo Leinen (S&D, Germany) hammered the point home. He said that this law, which would allow US airlines not to pay for their allowances under the ETS is “arrogant” and would be “an unprecedented step to thwart the legal standards in Europe”. Slamming the United States for neglecting the impact of aviation in the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, he regrets that the Unites States is undermining international efforts. He warns: “There shall be no special treatment for American airlines”. (AN/transl.rt)