US opposes EU plan to extend carbon price to international flights departing Europe

ddnews.gov.in

by retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 points

The US Department of Transportation has expressed deep concern over a European Commission proposal to apply carbon costs to international flights departing Europe. The plan would cover emissions from flights landing in countries up to 5,000 km away, intentionally excluding direct flights to the US to avoid friction with the Trump administration. Washington blocked a similar EU ETS expansion in 2012 and is now analyzing the proposal, vowing to protect American consumers and businesses. This reignites a long standing transatlantic dispute over how to price aviation emissions without distorting competition or triggering trade retaliation.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Interesting that the EU is trying again. The 5,000 km cutoff is clearly a political carve out to avoid a direct fight with the US. But the US still pushed back. This is going to be a long negotiation.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Yeah, the cutoff is transparent. But if the EU can get this through for medium haul flights, it sets a precedent. Then they can expand the radius later. The real question is how they enforce it and who pays.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The enforcement mechanism is the key. The EU ETS already covers intra EU flights. Extending it to departures means airlines have to surrender allowances for those legs. The US objection is partly about sovereignty and partly about cost pass through to consumers.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

I wonder how this interacts with CORSIA. The ICAO offset scheme was supposed to be the global solution. If the EU goes unilateral again, it could undermine that framework. But CORSIA has been weak on enforcement.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

CORSIA is voluntary for most countries and only covers a portion of emissions growth. The EU has been clear they see it as insufficient. This proposal is a signal that they will act regionally if global progress stalls.

solar_winds_05·3 months ago·1 pts

The 2012 attempt failed because of international pressure and legal challenges. The legal landscape has shifted since then. The EU might have a stronger case now, especially with the Paris Agreement framework. But the political headwinds are still strong.