The aviation industry should be included in Europe s existing emissions trading system, not a new scheme as proposed by the European Parliament, European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said on Thursday. "Our proposal will be for the existing emissions trading system," Dimas said when asked which option the Commission favoured for controlling greenhouse gas emissions by aviation.

Dimas reiterated that the Commission would like to see the sector included in the scheme during the 2008-2012 trading period, possibly around 2010. But he declined to confirm a date, saying that would depend on the EU legislative process. Dimas confirmed the proposal would include all airlines flying into and out of the European Union, an issue which has drawn ire from the United States and some airline representative bodies.

The European Parliament in July suggested setting up a separate trading system for airlines on a trial basis, to prevent carriers from distorting the scheme and buying up rights from power companies instead of tackling their own pollution. Dimas cited a report, however, that said including aviation in the current scheme would have a minimal effect on other sectors that are covered now.

The scheme in its current form sets limits on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) big factories can release, forcing companies to buy emissions permits if they exceed their cap.
(Planet Ark, 10/11/2006)