States Want Agency Officials To 'Take Their Head Out Of The Sand'

Studies show aviation is responsible for just three percent of overall carbon dioxide emissions in the United States... but several states say that's three percent too much, and they want the Environmental Protection Agency to do something about it.

On Wednesday, a coalition of states filed a petition asking the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from domestic and foreign airliners, similar to how such emissions from automobiles are now regulated.

"We want the EPA to take their head out of the sand and actively promulgate rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," California Attorney General Jerry Brown told The Associated Press. "The EPA has taken a very passive and unimaginative approach to combating global warming."

In addition to California, states demanding the EPA take action include Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia.

The petition cites FAA estimates that domestic aircraft emissions are expected to rise by 60 percent by 2025, and asks the EPA to require operators to boost fuel efficiency, and use cleaner fuels. The states also want lighter, more aerodynamic airliners.

Not surprisingly, the Air Transport Association -- which represents most major airlines in the US -- said EPA action is unnecessary. ATA noted "commercial airlines already are driven to be as fuel efficient and environmentally conscious as possible," and operators have already doubled fuel efficiency over the past 30 years, and are working towards an additional 25-30 percent reduction by 2025.

EPA officials also defended the agency's efforts to combat global warming.

"The US has invested over $37 billion on climate change science, technology and tax incentive programs -- more than any other country in the world," said the agency.

FMI: www.epa.gov, www.airlines.org