ATA wins right to challenge EU on emissions
- Latest News
- Monday, 31 May 2010
The Court will refer the case to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for a ruling on the validity of the EU law.
"Only the ECJ has the authority to rule on the Europe-wide directive that applies the European Emissions Trading Scheme to our airlines. The unilateral extension of the EU ETS to international aviation is contrary to international law both as an extra-territorial action and an improper tax or charge. It also clearly stands in the way of an appropriate and effective global solution," said ATA vice president, Environmental Affairs, Nancy Young.
ATA's view is that the EU approach violates international law principles and that instead there should be a global framework for greenhouse gas measures under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations body charged with establishing environmental standards for international aviation.
"The legal case is important as a means of addressing what is wrong with the European scheme, but also is an opportunity for us to continue to pursue an approach that is appropriate for this global industry. The US airline industry already has adopted a set of measures and targets as part of the worldwide aviation industry commitment to a global framework on aviation emissions," Young said.
