ATA questions 'punitive' approach of proposed climate change legislation

Air Transport Assn. President and CEO James May called into question the discussion draft of the American Power Act, climate change legislation proposed by US Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), saying that while “the nation’s airlines are committed to promoting energy independence and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we have strong concerns about the punitive approach this draft legislation proposes for jet fuel and other refined products."

May expressed disappointment that the senators did not incorporate the airlines’ proposal for extensive aviation-specific targets and measures to flow from an international agreement at ICAO. While including a Sense of the Senate section that notes the importance of addressing aviation GHGs through an international framework under ICAO, the draft legislation still imposes a tax on aviation fuels.

"In concert with the airlines of the world, US airlines have proposed a global framework for addressing aviation greenhouse gas emissions. This framework includes concrete targets for fuel efficiency through 2020, carbon-neutral growth beyond 2020 and a 50% reduction in aviation carbon dioxide emissions in 2050, relative to 2005 levels. In the US alone, CO2 emissions would be reduced by the annual output of 3.3 billion passenger cars," May noted.