FAA ADMINISTRATOR ISSUES STATEMENT ON GLOBAL CARBON EMISSIONS AGREEMENT
March 11, 2016
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta issued a statement on February 8, 2016, announcing that ICAO had reached international consensus on the reduction of CO2 emissions standards. The statement announced that Mr. Huerta and the FAA were “encouraged” by the agreement which would cut carbon emissions by 33% by the year 2020, and “believe that it puts [the U.S.] on a promising path to secure a robust market-based emissions measure later this year.” Mr. Huerta also praised the FAA’s “deep commitment” to working with the international community to create policies to reduce the harm of carbon emissions and carbon pollution worldwide.
This announcement comes in the wake of continued commitment by the FAA to the “basket of measures” agreed upon earlier in 2013 by ICAO members to address the overall threat aviation poses to the emissions of greenhouse gases. Other progress the U.S. has made in reducing global emissions includes the development of new airframe and engine technologies, as well as aircraft operational improvements, sustainable alternative fuels, and a global market-based measure (Global MBM) as a gap-filler to ensure U.S. airlines maintain international aviation emissions at 2020 levels. Mr. Huerta also highlighted specific U.S. programs developed in response to the Global MBM such as the Continuous Lower Energy Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) Program, which works closely with aviation industry members to accelerate the maturation of new aircraft and engine technologies to reduce fuel burn, and other FAA initiatives to modernize the U.S. air transportation system.
Mr. Huerta also highlighted FAA partnerships with academia and industry members to develop, test and approve sustainable alternative jet fuels, and credited ICAO Member States generally for working towards a holistic approach in addressing aviation’s contribution to global climate change.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).