The aviation industry has long proclaimed that it has a relatively insignificant impact on global climate change, accounting for less than 3 percent of CO2 emissions. The industry also asserts that because of the high cost of fuel, there is tremendous incentive to reduce fuel usage through more efficient engine technology. In fact, some analysts argue that the industry’s engines have become up to 70 percent more fuel efficient since the 1960s. This article examines the validity of the aviation industry’s climate change claims. […]

A new report on aviation and the environment from the U.S. Government Accounting Office finds that airports have made progress in addressing environmental impacts in four key areas: reducing noise levels, controlling water pollution, reducing air emissions and using environmentally sustainable practices.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency denied a petition calling for a ban on the manufacture and distribution of lead ammunition used for hunting, but will review a request regarding lead fishing sinkers. The petitioners argued that lead poisoning from ammunition and fishing sinkers “present an unreasonable risk of injury” to both human health and the environment.