In a historic act, U.S. EPA proposed the nation's
first-ever greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standard for aircraft on
July 21, 2020. (
Proposed Rule). Once the Proposed Rule is published in the
Federal Register, the public will have 60 days to submit
comments. There will likely be significant push back from
environmental groups on the Proposed Rule; so it may be important
to provide industry comments, where appropriate. U.S. EPA has
stated it is hoping to issue a final rule in 2021.
In 2016, U.S. EPA finalized findings that emissions of GHGs from
certain classes of engines used in aircraft causes, or contributes
to, air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger
public health or welfare under section 231(a) of the Clean Air Act.
These findings triggered a requirement for EPA to promulgate
standards addressing GHG emissions from the engines of affected
aircraft. The Proposed Rule begins the process of following through
on that requirement.
