Green ultimatum for US carriers

THE European Union could force a “green ultimatum” on US airlines to accept responsibility for carbon emissions or face restrictions on flying to EU airports.

European airlines are concerned that US carriers would have an unfair competitive advantage if they escape the European emissions trading scheme.

Under the Open Skies policy, which goes into effect on 30 March, 2008, “EU states can suspend flights from the US to Europe if insufficient progress is made on a second phase by 2010″.

EU Transportation Commissioner Jacques Barrot, wants carbon credits to play a significant role in the negotiation of a second phase of the EU-US Open Skies Agreement. The second phase are scheduled to begin in May 2008.

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