The EU Emissions Trading Scheme: A Challenge to U.S. Sovereignty
Abstract
The European Union s Emissions Trading Scheme is the cornerstone of the EU s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In January 2012, Brussels unilaterally imposed the scheme on U.S. and international civil aircraft operators departing from or arriving in the EU. As a result of the current method being used to compute emissions, U.S. civil aircraft operators would be subject to EU regulation on all segments of an international flight, including that portion which occurs over U.S. or international airspace. This is a challenge to the sovereignty of the United States and is a threat to its national interests. This paper reviews the background of the EU s Emissions Trading Scheme and its application to civil aviation, examines the current legislative and legal proceedings regarding the scheme, and outlines the U.S. and international objections to the legislation. A recommended strategic policy is proposed which addresses U.S. policymaker s concerns over sovereignty issues, EU environmental policy, and international law.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA561495
Entities
People
- Harold M. Hinton
Organizations
- United States Army War College