US airlines abandon challenge to tough EU anti-global warming emissions law

US airlines are reported to have given up a legal fight against European Union anti-pollution law that seeks to limit global …

US airlines are reported to have given up a legal fight against European Union anti-pollution law that seeks to limit global warming emissions from aircraft.

According to the Aviation Environment Federation, a UK-based environmental lobbying group with links to similar groups in the US, the airlines gave no explanation for dropping a legal challenge in London to the EU law.

“It is likely their attorneys realised their efforts would be fruitless given the strength of the December 21st ruling from the European Court of Justice upholding the EU directive as consistent with international law,” AEF said in a statement.

Three US airlines – United, Continental and American – challenged the law being applied to non-EU airlines.