As the Congress considers historic climate change legislation and diplomats prepare for December’s U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, it is time that the domestic airline industry stops trying to fly above the debate over how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

While air travel only contributes 2 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Air Transport Association, the U.S. aviation sector emitted 124 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents in 2003 alone – equal to a year’s worth of driving by 23 million cars. While other sectors have acknowledged their impact on the climate and revised their business plans accordingly, the domestic airline industry has in large part sought to postpone meaningful action.

Airlines are part of the problem, and must be part of the solution. The first step is for the airline industry to support climate change legislation that includes measurement, reporting and accountability for air travel. Airlines must stop asking to be excused from paying their fair share and should be part of any comprehensive U.S. climate and energy legislation.

Airlines should also accept tough new regulatory standards for more efficient aircraft fleets and welcome government-set goals for renewable fuels. The government in turn can help accelerate research and enact price supports to develop biofuels.