We can make U.S. aviation greener and cleaner
I am thinking about the big challenge we have ahead of us when it comes to climate change.
Transportation is the single largest contributor to the carbon pollution that is causing our climate crisis. And air travel is a big part of that — nine percent of the carbon emissions in the United States come from aviation and aerospace.
In Congress, I am advancing policies to make sure that our solution to climate change includes making aviation cleaner and greener:
As I wrote in MLT News:
When the world celebrated the first Earth Day in 1970, reducing emissions from air travel was science fiction. More than 50 years later, that is no longer the case. Public and private investment is bringing cleaner and greener aerospace technologies closer to fruition.
Consumers demand the aviation industry show its commitment to fighting climate change, and while several airlines are taking some action, the traveling public expects more. However, the burden is not just on airlines. The federal government must lead through continued investment in research and development that results in, well, results.
This week, the Biden administration is expected to announce a proposal to cut U.S. carbon emissions by at least 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. I support this pledge, and I also support moving the country to a net-zero carbon emission economy by 2050 at the latest.
We will put millions of Americans to work, reduce pollution, reduce greenhouse gases, and do our nation's part to end the global climate crisis.
We can do this. Together.
Rick
