Protect Our Friendly Skies: Gassing Up on Tar Sands, Liquid Coal, and Oil Shale Would Sharply Increase Aviation Emissions

The aviation industry is likely to be directly affected by the impacts of global warming, as increased storm severity, sea-level rise, and economic upheaval change the way airlines operate. The aviation sector also has great potential to reduce emissions—and cut operating costs—by focusing on emission reduction techniques that many airlines are already implementing. In particular, the aviation industry should discourage the use of polluting sources of “dirty fuels” such as tar sands, liquid coal, and oil shale, which would sharply increase aviation emissions. The U.S. government must also play a role by ensuring that the best available technology for reducing aviation emissions becomes the regulated industry standard.