US told to go green on carbon emissions or lose EU flights

[lovuian]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/mar/15/carbonemissions.travelandtransport?gusrc=rss&feed=environment

US airlines must pay for their carbon dioxide emissions or face a curb on flights to the European Union, the EU transport commissioner warned yesterday.

The green ultimatum was issued by Jacques Barrot as the transatlantic airline market undergoes its biggest shakeup in 30 years when limits on flights between the EU and US are lifted this month. Barrot said negotiations on a second phase for the treaty will include a demand that US carriers join the EU emissions trading scheme or an equivalent system in the US.

He added that requests by Washington for data on passengers overflying the US are disproportionate and will not be accepted by the EU, which fears that security measures across the Atlantic are becoming too draconian.

However, the environmental dispute with the US, which is refusing to let airlines join a carbon trading scheme, is likely to escalate following Barrot's comments on "open skies" negotiations.

Discussions on a second phase with the US department of transportation begin in May and Barrot said the EU had the power to withdraw flying rights if a deal is not reached.
more...
the World is going to MAKE US abide by Co2 emissions

[ClassWarrior]

1. Go world!!

We need 'em to step up and lend us a hand like this.

NGU.

[defendandprotect]

2. It seems clear that the EU was set up to protect themselves from our INSANITY . . .

How is it that we can't protect ourselves it -- ???

Could it be clearer that we're already living under a dictatorship --- ???

[magellan]

3. Bwahahaha!

Well, this post has lifted my spirits. The EU is growing into its newfound economic might and has begun sharpening its claws on BushCo.

This fight will require lots of :popcorn:

[SoCalDem]

5. The United States of Europe

financially stronger than we are
larger population than we are
more democratic than we are


what could possibly go wrong for us :sarcasm:
The strange desire for many 'merikans to isolate the US and throw all "ferriners" out, may be unnecessary.. we are pretty much on our own NOW.

[SoCalDem]

4. Moot point soon, anyway

as our economy wanes and our dollar becomes worth less than toilet paper, who will be able to afford European travel?