EPA To Issue New Rules For Jet Emissions

A move to reduce emissions from airliners burning jet fuel could roll out as early as Friday from the Environmental Protection Agency, according to a New York Times report this week. The EPA is set to announce the results of its study of the issue that began last fall. The agency is expected to conclude that emissions from aircraft harm human health by contributing to global warming. Issuing such a statement would trigger new requirements under the Clean Air Act of 1970. It's a process similar to the rulemaking that had required emissions standards from trucks and autos. The rules on jet fuel would target air carriers, not GA or military aircraft, the Times reported. EPA data shows that aircraft in the U.S. account for 3 percent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, the Times report said.

Airlines for America led the industry's reaction to the EPA's upcoming announcement. The group said any federal emissions rules should parallel those under development by the International Civil Aviation Organization. "As aviation is a global industry, with airlines and aircraft operators operating internationally and aircraft manufacturers selling their aircraft in international markets, it is critical that aircraft emissions standards continue to be agreed at the international level," Vaughn Jennings, a spokesman for the group, told Bloomberg. Airlines for America said the industry tripled its jet fuel costs from 2000 through 2014 while burning 8 percent less fuel, resulting in an 8 percent cut in carbon emissions. Bloombergreported in September that as the EPA began to study the need for the regulations, air carriers including Boeing said they support global standards and the industry has already worked to reduce emissions in its aircraft.