Tell the EPA to Cut Airplane Emissions

Dear Administrator McCarthy, The Environmental Protection Agency needs to propose a strong carbon emissions standard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from domestic aviation. Thanks to the EPA's leadership in setting a strong carbon emissions standard for the automobile industry, Americans are getting much farther on a tank of gas. The EPA should do the same for the airline industry to reduce climate pollution from airplanes operating in the US and help Americans reduce their carbon footprint every time they fly. Aviation is the fastest-growing source of transportation emissions. Domestic air travel in the US now accounts for 24% of global aviation emissions and is projected to grow by more than 20% over the next two decades. European nations, China and other countries are already working to curb their domestic aviation emissions, but the fuel efficiency of US airlines has actually declined since 2010. It's clear that domestic aviation must be a part of US action on climate as well. During his 2015 State of the Union address, President Obama said he is "determined to make sure American leadership drives international action." If the US government adopts a policy to reduce carbon pollution from domestic aviation, it would enhance its ability to meet — or even exceed — its pledge to cut US emissions between 26% and 28% by 2025. [Your comment will go here] Please issue a strong carbon emissions standard for airplanes that operate in the US — and to do so in advance of next December's international climate negotiations in Paris. Sincerely, [Your name]