Obama shields U.S. airlines from EU carbon-trading scheme

[The Straight Story]

Obama shields U.S. airlines from EU carbon-trading scheme

5:01PM EST November 27. 2012 - President Obama signed a law Tuesday to prevent U.S. airlines from contributing to a European carbon-trading scheme, but negotiations for a global compromise will continue at a branch of the United Nations.

U.S. airlines had fought the program as an illegal tax that violates international law, estimating it would add $3.1 billion airfares over the next decade. European Union officials estimated it could add about $30 to each roundtrip ticket across the Atlantic.

China, India and Russia also oppose the program.

"American sovereignty will no longer be threatened by the EU's illegitimate and disingenuous environmental tax on our country," said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., who sponsored the legislation.

Connie Hedegaard, the European commissioner for climate action, announced Nov. 12 a postponement in enforcement of the program that began this year and threatened to start charging airlines in early 2013.

Europe will now wait until September, when a branch of the United Nations that governs aviation meets next, for a possible global solution to the dispute. But Hedegaard warned that the EU program would resume "automatically" if no solution is found.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2012/11/27/obama-shields-us-airlines-from-eu-carbon-trading-scheme/1729765/

[NoOneMan]

1. That's good. The economy is more important

And think of all the good future jobs we can have building levies around the continental US.

[dipsydoodle]

2. Sign away

When the EU does impliment it if the US dont agree then even your military wont be allowed into EU airspace. Sounds fine to me:.