The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposal to require large subsonic turbine-powered airplanes to meet prescribed greenhouse emissions standards equivalent to CO2 recommendations adopted by ICAO in 2017. They would apply to both new type designs and in-production airplanes.

New type design standards would apply to jet airplanes with an mtow of more than 5,700 kilograms/12,500 pounds for which an application for certification is submitted to the FAA on or after Jan. 1, 2020 (Jan. 1, 2023, for new type designs that have an mtow of 60,000 kilograms/132,270 pounds or less and have 19 passenger seats or fewer). The standards would also apply to turboprop-powered airplanes having an mtow greater than 8,618 kilograms/19,000 pounds.

In-production standards would apply beginning Jan. 1, 2028. Additionally, modifications made to airplanes that would increase emissions would trigger a requirement to certify to the in-production regulation beginning Jan. 1, 2023.

The proposal directs the FAA to establish regulations to ensure compliance with the EPA’s standards but also prohibits the EPA from changing emission standards if that would significantly increase noise and adversely affect safety. It is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register, after which comments can be submitted for up to 60 days.