Letter Sent To Heads Of FAA, EPA

Leaders from five industry associations have signed a letter reasserting the aviation community’s commitment to a responsible approach for curbing aviation greenhouse gas emissions, and for recognizing the authority of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on matters affecting the global aviation industry, including on emissions standards.

The letter ... dated February 6 ... was sent to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Gina McCarthy, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The letter specifically notes that U.S. aviation stakeholders favor global sectoral guidelines determined by the ICAO Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) Terms of Reference, over national or regional attempts to determine emissions policies.

“[A]s 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,” the letter states. "Accordingly, we appreciate the direct engagement of your organizations in the development of the CO2 certification standard at ICAO.”

U.S. non-airline aviation users account for only a small percentage of national greenhouse gas emissions, with further advances ongoing through a global aviation coalition committed to continued fuel-efficiency improvements, and resulting reductions in carbon emissions, through 2020. The letter favors this international approach to curbing emissions, over attempts to force a regional standard on global operators.

“As EPA and FAA have done with other ICAO emissions standards, we urge you to ensure that any standard that moves forward for final approval at ICAO meets the CAEP Terms of Reference for technological feasibility, economic reasonableness, environmental benefit and consideration of the interrelationships between the various emissions parameters and noise,” the letter summarizes.

NBAA Chief Operating Officer Steve Brown noted that business aviation has long led the way in promoting advances aimed at reducing the industry's environmental footprint, despite its minimal contribution to overall transportation industry emissions, and the industry continues to leverage technology to further reduce emissions while also improving safety and efficiency.

"Our Association will continue to advocate on behalf of business aviation as we work to promote reductions in our industry's environmental impact,” Brown added. “However, it is also imperative for NBAA and other industry stakeholders to work together towards ensuring that the aviation community’s shared vital interests and contributions to the solution are taken into account by policymakers."

The letter was signed by NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen; Stephen A. Alterman, president, Cargo Airline Association; Marion C. Blakey, president and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association; Peter J. Bunce, president and CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association and Nicholas E. Calio, president and CEO, Airlines for America.

FMI: Full Letter, www.faa.gov, www.epa.gov