NO MORE Flying free: GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION FROM AIRCRAFT MUST BE REGULATED

Aircraft engines represent an increasing and potent source of greenhouse gas emissions, due in part to the unprecedented growth in global air travel. The United States is responsible for nearly half of the worldwide carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft, nearly five times the amount of the next largest emitter. Domestically, air transport is growing at a rate of 3.5 percent per year. Passenger traffic is likely to double in 15 years.

Aviation represents one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The Federal Aviation Administration predicts that greenhouse gas emissions from domestic aircraft will increase 60% by 2025. Moreover, aircraft pollution, which is emitted at high altitudes, has a disproportionate impact on global warming. The net effect of ozone, contrail and aviation-induced cirrus clouds is expected to be 2 to 5 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO₂) alone.

Numerous technological, design and operational improvements can be made to reduce the climate impacts of aviation. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), "In the absence of additional measures, projected annual improvements in aircraft fuel efficiency of the order of 1-2% will be largely surpassed by traffic growth of around 5% each year, leading to a projected increase in emissions of 3-4% per year." Some of these improvements include:

• Lightweight composite materials
• Use of winglets
• Adoption of advanced contra-rotating propellers
• Minimizing engine idling
• Flying at optimal cruise altitudes

The United States is lagging behind the European Community nations in addressing the global warming impacts of aircraft pollution. Therefore, our petition urges the EPA to exercise its statutory mandate and regulate greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft. All economic sectors of the U.S. economy will need to innovate to address global warming and protect the world's oceans.