“I am pleased that ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organization] reached an international consensus on a meaningful standard to foster reduction in CO2 emissions from aircraft,” said Michael Huerta, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator. “We are encouraged by this success and believe it puts us on a promising path to secure a robust market-based measure later this year. This is another example of the administration’s deep commitment to working with the international community on policies that will reduce harmful carbon pollution worldwide.
The United States prides itself on making progress in all areas of ICAO’s agreed-upon “basket of measures” to address aviation greenhouse gas emissions. This includes the development of new airframe and engine technologies, aircraft operational improvements, sustainable, alternative fuels, and a global market-based measure [Global MBM] as a gap-filler.
“For example, through our Continuous Lower Energy Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) Program, we work closely with industry on accelerating the maturation of new aircraft and engine technologies to reduce fuel burn.
“The FAA is well under way with a broad set of initiatives under its modernization of U.S. air transportation system. We have put in more than 7,000 GPS-based NextGen procedures so far, the majority of which result in more efficient routing. This reduces both fuel consumption and emissions,” he said.
“Moreover, we partner with academia and industry in efforts to develop, test and approve sustainable alternative jet fuels. We also collaborate with other civil aviation authorities to leverage progress being made in this vital area internationally.
“The final element in the “basket” is a global market-based measure, which we view as a gap-filler to ensure our airlines can keep their international aviation emissions at 2020 levels. Since the 2013 ICAO Assembly, we have continued to work within ICAO to take a holistic approach to addressing aviation’s contribution to climate change. We, along with other member states, continue to believe that addressing the entire basket of measures is the most effective way for international aviation to reduce its carbon footprint,” he concluded.
