Airline rules stir up controversy.In December 2006 the European Commission European Commission, branch of the governing body of the European Union (EU) invested with executive and some legislative powers. Located in Brussels, Belgium, it was founded in 1967 when the three treaty organizations comprising what was then the European Community proposed new rules to regulate greenhouse gas greenhouse gas n. Any of the atmospheric gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. greenhouse gas emissions from the airline industry. Such emissions have increased 87% since 1990, and by 2020 are expected to more than double over present levels. The regulations place a cap on carbon dioxide carbon dioxide, chemical compound, CO2, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is about one and one-half times as dense as air under ordinary conditions of temperature and pressure. emissions, with each airline receiving a set number of pollution allowances each year. Those using up their allowances must buy carbon credits from companies that still have them. As proposed, the rules will apply by 2012 to all flights to and from airports within the European Union European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to the European Community . However, U.S. industry and government officials feel the rules violate international trade agreements and may fight the regulations if they are passed. |
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