The -55% climate target announced last week makes the EU Green Deal the most ambitious climate initiative in the world, said green group Transport & Environment.
But European Commission president Ursual von der Leyen risks undermining her own efforts with a plan that would undercut national action to cut pollution from cars and trucks added the pressure group.
Emissions trading would be “enhanced” President von der Leyen said, meaning car and truck emissions could be included in the bloc’s carbon market. Once included in the EU-controlled emissions trading system (ETS), governments would no longer be responsible for road transport emissions, removing a key driver for green tax reform, investment in public transport, or electromobility at national level. [1] If enacted, the ETS inclusion would lead to fuel price increases of 6-12cts/litre.
William Todts, executive director at T&E, said, “The EU is finally getting real on the climate crisis. The key to tackling transport, Europe’s No1 polluter, is CO2 standards that drive car and truck makers to go electric much faster whilst making charging as simple as filling up at gas stations.
“But the plan to put road transport in the EU carbon market is a mistake. It will undercut the national climate targets whilst jacking up fuel prices for low-income families.”