Aviation EU Emissions Trading System

Overview

This consultation will cover UK implementation of the agreed amendments to the Aviation EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The amendments to be implemented are:

• To extend the existing Intra-European Economic Area (EEA) scope for the Aviation EU ETS until 31 December 2023;
• To introduce simplified procedures for operators emitting less than 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ per annum on intra-EEA flights; and
• To extend the exemption for non-commercial operators emitting less than 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year until 2030.

The consultation will be of particular interest to aircraft operators, aerodrome operators, verifiers, other participants in the EU ETS and environmental groups.  This consultation is not limited to these stakeholders; any organisation or individual is welcome to respond.

Our impact assessment estimates the reduction in compliance costs for aircraft operators, the reduction in the environmental benefits of Aviation EU ETS, and the reduction in Government auction revenues between 2017 and 2023, as compared to a scenario where the EU and UK legislation was not amended. Consultees are invited to submit any additional evidence or other relevant information on the impacts of the policy option assessed in our impact assessment.

This consultation runs for four weeks until 5 January 2018. Please note that any responses received after the closing date may not be considered.

The measures proposed in this consultation are without prejudice to future decisions on the UK’s future relationship with the EU on the EU ETS.