Air, Freight News, Logistics

TIACA calls for groundswell of opposition to new emissions taxes

[ October 10, 2011   //   Chris ]

The International Air Cargo Association, is calling for “a groundswell of opposition” after the European Court of Justice ruled that aviation could be included in the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). It wants other associations, businesses and international governments to intensify lobbying efforts for a review of ETS after the Court’s Advocate General recommended that the inclusion of international aviation in the scheme is compatible with international law.

Last month TIACA, in a letter to EU Climate Action Commissioner, Connie Hedegaard, asked the EU to suspend implementation of the controversial program pending development of a global agreement on aviation carbon emissions by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
TIACA also that the scheme could impose massive new taxes of aviationand might atually increase emissions by encouraging airlines to fly less direct routes.
TIACA chairman Michael Steen, said: “We are very disappointed by the recommendation by the Advocate General on the proposed January 1st start date of the ETS. We will however continue our campaign with full force as there is a groundswell of opposition to the scheme from international governments, trade associations and businesses and we must, as an industry, collectively raise our voices even louder until the EU listens.”