Emissions Plans Could Hobble Bizav, de Decker Says

By: Chad Trautvetter

June 2, 2009
Government, Environment

Conklin & de Decker cofounder and president Bill de Decker is warning that the proposed cap-and-trade legislation intended to reduce CO₂ emissions could have serious effects on the business aviation industry, and as early as 2012. Under proposed H.R.2454, the goal is to reduce CO₂ emissions to 17 percent of 2005 levels by 2050, with intermediate goals of 97 percent in 2012, 80 percent in 2020 and 58 percent in 2030.

Employing his company’s new CO₂ calculator, de Decker estimated business aircraft emissions out to 2050 using forecasts and a 1-percent fuel efficiency gain per year driven by technology advances. De Decker’s calculations are shocking: in 2012, business aviation’s emissions are expected to be 15 million tons, but the allowable limit will be 10.97 million tons; in 2020, 19.52 versus 9.05 million tons; in 2030, 23.63 versus 6.56 million tons; and in 2050, 33.29 versus 1.92 million tons.

“To meet the 2050 target will require an improvement in efficiency for the fleet of 8 percent for each year of the next 40 years if we keep on using jet-A,” de Decker told AIN. “That is three to four times the average annual improvement in efficiency we have actually experienced between 1965 and today.”

Back

NATA Business Roundtable Meets Key Policy Makers November 12, 2009 At the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Aviation Business Roundtable Monday and Tuesday, more than 65 aviation business leaders... [more]
Senate Bill Seeks Laptop Ban in Part 121 Cockpits November 10, 2009 Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and four cosponsors have introduced S.2745 to ban the use of personal wireless communications devices or laptop... [more]
NetJets Europe Halfway to Carbon-Neutral Goal November 10, 2009 NetJets Europe yesterday released its first environmental progress report, in which it claims to be on track to become completely carbon-neutral... [more]
NBAA Speaking Up on Talk of Cockpit PC Ban November 05, 2009 NBAA is taking a proactive approach to the “possibility of legislation that would restrict laptops, electronic flight bags (EFBs), cellphones... [more]
Congress to Obama: no user fees in ’11 budget November 02, 2009 Two powerful members of the House aviation subcommittee are circulating a letter urging President Obama not to include general aviation user... [more]