Write an Airline CEO

I never do this... although I probably should - it's so easy, and it definitely has an impact.

So the Air Transport Association (ATA) along with Continental, United, and American have sued the UK government for taking the first steps to figure out how to cover emissions from air travel under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Read the story here.

The ATA and most airlines - particularly Continental - talk a big game about taking action to improve efficiency and develop safe, viable, carbon-neutral alternative fuels for airplanes. This move is clearly in contradiction to the kinds of policies needed to help achieve these stated goals.

Take 5 minutes to drop a letter in the mail the heads of these organizations, below are a couple of templates - just cut and paste and customize for each recipient:

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Gerard J. Arpey, AMR Corporation/American Airlines, Inc, P.O. Box 619616, DFW Airport, TX 75261-9616

Dear Mr. Arpey,

I am deeply disappointed in American’s decision to join the suit against the U.K. government challenging the first stage of the country's implementation of European Union emission-trading regulations.

I fly often for work and occasionally for pleasure, and have frequently chosen American Airlines.

I strongly urge you to withdraw your participation in this suit and implement strong policies for proactively supporting industry-wide caps on emissions in the EU and around the world. I will not remain a customer of American Airlines otherwise.

Sincerely,

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James C. May, Air Transport Association of America, Inc., 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20004

Dear Mr. May,

I am deeply disappointed in Air Transport Association’s decision to initiate a suit against the U.K. government challenging the first stage of the country's implementation of European Union emission-trading regulations.

I fly often for work and occasionally for pleasure, and this activity far and away represents the largest component of my carbon footprint. I choose airlines based more on commitment to efficiency and demonstrated commitment to developing safe, viable, carbon neutral alternative fuels than I do on price per ticket.

I commend the ATA’s stated commitment to efficiency, alternative fuels, and progress towards carbon neutrality.

I strongly urge you to act in accordance with that stated commitment and withdraw your participation in this suit and implement strong policies for proactively supporting industry-wide caps on emissions in the EU and around the world.

Sincerely,

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Other CEOs:

• Glenn F. Tilton, UAL Corporation / United Air Lines, World Headquarters, P.O. Box 66100, Chicago, IL 60666
• Jeffery A. Smisek, Continental Airlines Inc., P.O. Box 4607, Houston, Texas 77210-4607

Stay going.