Saturday, May 15, 2010

FOE Press Release: Third runway plans for Heathrow scrapped


Third runway plans for Heathrow scrapped


12 May 2010

Commenting on the scrapping of airport expansion plans at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

"We're delighted that the new government has scrapped plans to expand UK airports - this is an encouraging sign that the coalition takes cutting aviation emissions seriously. They must now rule out expansion at regional airports too.

"We need a new aviation strategy which makes carbon reduction a priority and goes at least as far as Labour's target to limit aviation emissions to 2005 levels by 2050.

"Proposals to reform Air Passenger Duty are good news and will encourage airlines to use their planes more efficiently. But much of our emissions comes from flying goods around - so the new tax must cover freight flights too."

If you are a journalist seeking press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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