Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-07-03-Speech-1-138"
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"en.20060703.18.1-138"2
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"Mr President, first of all, my compliments to Mrs Lucas. She has drafted an excellent report that encapsulates the problems in aviation and the dilemmas associated with them.
What do those problems in aviation amount to? First of all, aviation contributes hugely to climate change: per passenger and per kilometre, the C02 emission in aviation is considerably higher than in transport by train or even by car. Certainly for short distances, the burden on the environment is high and it is precisely when short distances are involved that there are alternatives, of which, at present, too little use is being made.
The second problem is that too few people are aware of the major environmental burden that aviation presents. That is why it would be good if tickets and cars were to display the CO2 emission per km. I would welcome initiatives to that effect, Commissioner. To us in this House, it would be useful to know exactly what the CO2 emission is when we travel to Brussels or Strasbourg by car, train or plane.
The third problem is that the environmental tax is in no way reflected in the costs. Flying is unnaturally cheap. It is mystifying why the aviation sector should still be exempt from VAT. This puts the more environmentally-friendly transport methods, such as trains or buses, at a disadvantage. This phenomenon can, and indeed should, be stopped without delay. It is, in any case, of the utmost importance that aviation be brought, at the earliest opportunity, within a system of tradable emissions rights. This would give C02 a price tag and promote innovation, particularly more efficient engines and more economical and better use of fuel. In my view, it is obvious to use the existing emissions trading system as a basis, as long as we avoid the mistakes that were made in that system. Instead of free allocation, I would prefer to see auctioning. It also goes without saying that kerosene should be taxed.
The fourth problem is that it is not easy to tackle the aviation sector. Aviation is a source of both employment and enjoyment for consumers and tourists alike. That is why it is important to operate at European level and at the same time to invest in comfortable high-speed connections between the European cities. This would be an ambitious policy, and one to which the public would be sure to give its backing."@en1
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