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EPA Seeks to Adopt Emission Standards for Large Commercial Aircraft

Release Date: 07/06/2011
Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn (News Media Only), milbourn.cathy@epa.gov, 202-564-7849, 202-564-4355 Enesta Jones (News Media Only), jones.enesta@epa.gov, 202-564-7873, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to adopt new air pollution standards for engines used primarily in large commercial aircraft, including 737s, 747s, and 767s. The proposal would reduce ground-level nitrogen oxide emissions by an estimated 100,000 tons nationwide by 2030. Exposure to nitrogen oxide emissions can cause and aggravate lung diseases and increase susceptibility to respiratory infection.

The standards were previously agreed to by the United Nation’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Due to the global nature of air travel, EPA works with international agencies to ensure significant and cost effective emissions reductions. If adopted in the United States, the standards would be phased in over the next two years, applying to all new engines in 2013.

Comments will be accepted for 60 days after the date that the proposal is published in the Federal Register.

More information: https://www.epa.gov/otaq/aviation.htm

More information on the ICAO: http://www.icao.int/