Industry Groups Back ICAO Approach on Emissions

Five industry associations, including NBAA and GAMA, reiterated their backing of a global approach—rather than a regional one—to reducing aviation greenhouse gas emissions. In a joint letter sent Friday to U.S. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy, the organizations stressed their support of guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP).

“It is critical that aircraft emissions standards continue to be agreed at the international level,” the organizations said, adding the CAEP “terms of reference” and standard-setting process align well with the foundation set by the U.S. Clean Air Act for aircraft emissions standards.

“We urge you to rely on well established science and to keep our industry’s strong fuel-efficient and emissions-saving record, relative [greenhouse gas] emissions contribution and global sectoral approach commitment squarely in mind as you proceed to proposal,” the groups said, noting potential for U.S. adoption of the expected ICAO CO₂ standard for aircraft.

In addition to NBAA and GAMA, the letter was signed by the Cargo Airline Association, the Aerospace Industries Association and Airlines for America.