The Environmental Protection Agency now says jet engine exhaust is contributing to climate change and is endangering public health.
The agency finalized its rules, determining that greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are a danger to the environment. The move clears the way for federal regulation.
It means regulations will soon cover the emissions of those jetliners landing and taking off at Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport as well as the Tulsa International Airport.
Regulation of the aircraft emissions has ben a part of the Obama administration’s goal under the Paris Climate Agreement to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by up to 28% below 2005 levels by 2025.
“Addressing pollution from aircraft is an important element of US efforts to address climate change,” said Janet McCabe, the EPA’s acting assistant administrator for air and radiation. “EPA has already set effective GHG standards for cars and trucks and any future aircraft engine standards will also provide important climate and public health benefits.”