After encountering resistance from the US, India, Russia, and China, the European Union has temporarily backed off from carbon emissions taxes enforced by their Emissions Trading Scheme, reports Bloomberg.
The EU stated that it began enforcing its own policies on flights connecting to foreign locations because the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) didn't act quickly enough to develop a nuanced market specific policy governing carbon emissions.
Climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard announced that a one year suspension of the tax will grant the ICAO enough time to work out a more favorable solution, but if no new ideas are put on the table after that period of time that the rule will go back into effect.
Florida Congressman John Mica states, "Fortunately, EU leaders who have promoted imposing an unjust tax on international aviation have temporarily backed off the emissions tax proposal. I intend to ensure U.S. operators, airlines and consumers are not stuck with a future unfair tax burden."
South Dakota Senator John Thune asserts, "The EU's announcement still does not recognize that its system is illegal and that a global solution, not just one deemed acceptable by the EU, must be the path forward."
Hedegaard deflected criticisms that the EU intentionally imposed unfair taxes on non-European airlines, saying: "Nobody wants an international framework framework tackling CO2-emissions from aviation more than we do."
Senator Thune has proposed a bill to block American businesses from the EU's mandate.
Delta Airlines spokesman Trebor Banstetter explains the company's stance on the issue: "Delta favors a global approach to the issue of aviation emissions. Delta continues to support legislation from Congress opposing the EU ETS."
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