Isra-Mart srl : American, United file anti-ETS suit

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Isra-Mart news:

After earlier lobbying the US Congress, American Airlines and United reportedly have filed suit in a European court to block the European Union's emissions trading scheme (ETS).

The new European law, which is effective 01 January 2012, makes airlines accountable for global warming pollution on their flights from, to and within Europe.

As a result, six major environmental groups now have contacted the ceos of the two airlines, saying that it makes no sense "to spend customers' money on lawyers and lobbyists in an effort to thwart a crucial anti-pollution program."

The environmental groups called on the airlines to drop the suit, saying "innovation, not obstruction, is what's needed".

The letters were signed by the ceos of Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), Earthjustice, Environment America, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Sierra Club.

In Europe and elsewhere, there is less support for the scheme, with the International Air Transport Association and other bodies arguing that the ETS as framed breaches international agreements.