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Aviation and Climate Change

Some Members of Congress have expressed an interest in addressing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change effects from aviation. Proposed legislation in the 116th Congress would provide for sustainable fuel mandates, incentives for airport efficiency improvements, and GHG emission targets, among other requirements. In some instances, these provisions would be conditioned on economic stimulus and other forms of public funding.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that transportation—including passenger cars and light trucks, heavy-duty trucks, buses, trains, ships, and aircraft—accounted for 35% of carbon dioxide (CO2, the principal GHG) emissions in 2018. While CO2 emissions from passenger cars and light trucks exceed those from aircraft in the United States, CO2 emissions from aviation are currently experiencing a faster rate of growth.

  • Author(s):
  • Richard K. Lattanzio
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Aviation and Climate Change
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  • White Paper
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Website:Visit Publisher Website
Publisher:Congressional Research Service
Published:January 11, 2021
License:Public Domain

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