President Wants Program To Include All Airlines Flying To Europe

Another country has jumped on the 'goin' green' bandwagon, but only if it's an all-or-nothing deal.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy (shown at right) said Tuesday he supported the European Union's plan to make airlines that fly within Europe trade pollution allowances, or carbon permits, beginning in 2011 in an effort to cut aviation emissions, according to the Associated Press.

As ANN reported, the European Commission wants to act to cap greenhouse gases contributed by airliners, one of the fastest growing sources.

EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas says the most expedient way to do that is to include airlines in the system through which industries earn credits for reducing emissions, and may then sell them to other industries which can't make adequate reductions.

But, Sarkozy says it should apply to all airlines that fly in Europe, not just European companies.

"All airlines should be concerned, or none," he said while unveiling a new terminal at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport.

In 2012, the program is to expand to include all airlines flying to Europe which would affect US airlines. US officials have voiced opposition to the idea.

"We can no longer ignore (the airline industry's) imprint on the environment," said Sarkozy.

The French president also said fighting global warming has been one of his top priorities since taking office in May.

FMI: www.premier-ministre.gouv.fr/en, www.ec.europa.eu