EC TO ACT ON AIR TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT ISSUES

   The European Commission has defined a framework for its environmental policy in the air transport sector that includes the possibility of acting unilaterally to limit aircraft noise.
   The move follows policy clashes between Brussels and Washington, D.C. on restrictions that the EU had planned to impose on noisy aircraft operating in Europe.
   The EC adopted a "communication" proposed jointly by Loyola de Palacio, EC vice-president with responsibility for transport and energy, and Margot Wallstr'm, commissioner with responsibility for the environment.
   The air transport sector is growing steadily at roughly 9 percent a year and its environmental impact is a cause for concern, the EC said.
   The EC intends to adopt an "integrated approach" and will no longer confine itself to setting technical standards. It will seek to have "a more consistent stance on the promotion of the Union’s own interests within the International Civil Aviation Organisation." If no international negotiations are held about more restrictive international standards for aircraft noise and gaseous emissions, the EC "could be forced to set such standards at European level."
   The EC said it was committed to ending the worrying situation concerning air traffic delays, as they have a considerable environmental impact.