EU Environmental Policy Still Up in the Air

The European Union's place at the forefront of environmental policy will be solidified if its newly proposed legislation passes: EU representatives are pushing for a cap on emissions for commercial airlines flying to and from Europe.

The International Herald Tribune reported that the new plans faced harsh criticism from the US airline industry, who could potentially bring Europe to court at the World Trade Organization for unfair trade practices. They argued that it "broke with international aviation practices, would cost companies billions of dollars and could lead to sharp increases in airline ticket prices." Carl Burleson, the director of the office of environment and energy at the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, also said that the EU should not make such decisions unilaterally, and instead needs to discuss the agreements with all the international governments involved.

Still, the US isn't the only party upset about the proposed emission restrictions. International airline companies are equally displeased. According to Taneli Hassinen, a spokesman for Finnair, the new system would cost the airline €50 million per year, if not more.

Thus, as is often the case, a struggle exists between beneficial environmental practices and economic viability. And while the EU remains a strong leader in terms of protecting the environment and respecting environmental laws, whether or not it will be able to stand firm against US and airline company pressure, remains to be seen.

- Jillian -