Regulation Announcement: Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aircraft and Their Engines: Proposed Guidelines and Test Methods
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions from the aviation sector. In a move aimed at maintaining the worldwide acceptance of U.S. manufactured airplanes and airplane engines, the EPA is proposing greenhouse gas emission standards for certain new commercial airplanes, including large passenger jets.
This proposed action, related to EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0726, was announced in July 2020 with the publication of a Fact Sheet and a Technical Support Document. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (PDF) followed on August 20, 2020, detailing the control of air pollution from airplanes and airplane engines: GHG Emission Standards and Test Procedures. A Notice of Public Hearing was also published on August 26, 2020, inviting public comment on the proposed action.
The proposed standards, if finalized, would implement EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act and aim to match the international airplane carbon dioxide standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2017. The ICAO, an institution that has presented proposals for GHG emission standards for certain new aircraft, including all large passenger airplanes, set these standards to address the growing concern over aviation's contribution to climate change.
The proposed action does not specify a timeline for its implementation or any penalties for non-compliance. However, it is intended to maintain the worldwide acceptance of U.S. manufactured airplanes and airplane engines. The proposed standards would apply to all large passenger jets, but the action does not seem to apply to all types of airplanes.
This action by the EPA begins the process of following through on the requirement triggered by the Endangerment Findings. In 2016, the EPA under section 231(a) of the Clean Air Act found that GHG emissions from certain classes of engines used in aircraft contribute to air pollution causing climate change endangering public health and welfare.
The proposed action is under 40 CFR Part 1030, and the public is encouraged to provide comments during the comment period, which will be announced in the Federal Register. The EPA will consider these comments before making a final decision on the proposed action.