EU communication: Aviation and environment

The European Commission published a Consultation Paper on "Air Transport and the Environment" in July 1998. The paper is surprisingly open about the environmental problems caused by the growth in air transport, stating that "unless further policy action is taken, emission reductions from technological progress will fall behind these growth rates", leading to an increase of emissions. The consultation paper mentions stricter technical emission standards, economic instruments and voluntary environmental agreements as possible solutions.

The paper is already under heavy critique from the air industry. In September, the RPAT Campaign participated in a hearing on the paper and will send its comments by Oct. 15th to the Commission and will address the European press on this issue at the beginning of November.

EU COMMUNICATION: AVIATION AND ENVIRONMENT

The European Commission published a Consultation Paper on "Air Transport and the Environment" in July 1998. The purpose of the paper is:

"To consult stakeholders with a legitimate interest in air transport and environment as well as the competent authorities of Member States of the EU on the Commission's initial assessment of the effectiveness of existing policy measures and a list of potential policy options for the future. The Commission invites stakeholders and Member States to submit comments on this consultation paper before 15th October 1998. The Commission will, taking into account the outcome of the consultation process and the results of further analysis, determine its policy priorities and submit a Communication".

The consultation paper is based on the premise that significant improvements in both the local (noise) and global environmental impact of air transport activities is required in order to ensure the sustainable development of the sector in the long-term.

The addressees of the consultation paper are asked to advise on the appropriate contribution of air transport to the achievement of environmental objectives and the cost-effectiveness of policy options discussed below, taking into account internal market and subsidiarity requirement. In this context, the Commission does not seek advice in relation to cross-sectoral comparisons. Where appropriate, additions to the list of policy options may be suggested.

The paper covers six "action areas" : binding technical emission standards, economic instruments, environmental provisions in the regulatory framework, a Community Framework for local environmental measures, research and development, and voluntary environmental agreements and other market-orientated instruments.