Tough new powers to enforce ETS
The UK government is to give an independent agency tough powers to police aviation emissions in England and Wales.
The Environment Agency will be able to fine or even seize an airline's assets if in breach of restrictions set by the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
Aviation operators that failure to pay fines could lead to the airline's assets, including aircraft, being seized.
But the Department for Transport (DfT) told ABTN today (March 4) that this would only be used as a last resort.
The ETS, which will cap aviation CO2 emissions at 2004-06 levels, will apply to flights arriving and departing EU airports from January 1, 2012.
As regulator for England and Wales, the Environment Agency will ensure operators comply with emissions requirements in the lead-up to the start of the scheme.
The DfT said it expects Scottish and Irish ministers to appoint separate regulators shortly.
www.environment-agency.gov.uk www.dft.gov.uk www.caa.co.uk