Congress protects airlines from EU emissions tax

(AP) Congress protects airlines from EU emissions tax
By JIM ABRAMS
Associated Press
WASHINGTON
Congress has stepped in to protect U.S. airlines from a European Union program to limit emissions that its critics say is unilateral and illegal.

The House passed the bill a day after the EU, facing international protests and a possible trade war, said it was postponing enforcement of the emissions program for non-EU carriers.

Lawmakers, while welcoming the EU action, said it was still necessary for Congress to ensure U.S. airlines won’t get taxed by the EU in the future.

The House originally passed the bill, which gives the transportation secretary authority to exempt U.S. carriers from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, a year ago. A modified Senate bill passed in September, and Monday’s House vote to accept the Senate bill sends it to President Barack Obama for his signature.