Ecj Rules Steelmakers' Inclusion In Ets Is Justified

摘要

Steelmakers are not discriminated against by the EU Emissions's Trading Scheme (ETS), the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled. The ECJ said last month that the case filed by Arcelor Atlantique and Lorraine in 2005, which alleged the industry was being singled out because other sectors such as "the aluminium and plastic industries' were not included in the ETS, was not admissible. "The difference in treatment caused by the exclusion of the chemical and non-ferrous metal sectors from the scope of the directive [the ETS] may be regarded as justified," the EU court ruled on 16 December. Under the ETS, which forms the backbone of the EU's drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, facilities are given, or have to bid for, credits which entitle them to a certain amount of carbon emissions. If they exceed their limits, they have to buy or trade for more credits.