Chris Huhne

EU EMISSIONS PROPOSAL IS FAR TOO TENTATIVE – HUHNE

Commenting on the EU Commission’s proposals to include aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from 2011, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

“This is a necessary step but is far too tentative to tackle an industry whose EU emissions have risen by 87 per cent since 1990 and which is growing so quickly that it could be using our whole carbon allowance by 2050.

“Aviation needs to be treated like other potential emitters, not just by more urgent inclusion in the Emissions Trading Scheme, but by ensuring flights are taxed fairly.

“We need an EU kerosene tax and the replacement of our UK air passenger duty by a pollution charge based on flight emissions. The UK Government should not use the ETS as an excuse for inaction elsewhere.

“Aviation will carry on growing because people like to fly, but that growth should be tempered by proper policies that tax flying in the same way as other activities and also ensures that its carbon emissions are taken into account.”