WASHINGTON, May 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Transport Association (ATA), the trade association for the leading U.S. airlines, today testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on climate change and energy independence.
ATA President and CEO James C. May testified that airlines are extremely carbon efficient, noting that while U.S. commercial aviation contributes about 2 percent of domestic greenhouse gas emissions, it also drives $3.4 billion in U.S. economic activity every day. Furthermore, May added, airlines continue to strive to improve fuel efficiency through aggressive fuel conservation programs. These programs are yielding dramatic results; the industry has improved fuel efficiency by 35 percent since 2001.
"U.S. airlines have made enormous strides in increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions -- unrelenting carbon-efficient improvement is business as usual for commercial airlines," said May. "Commercial airlines are extremely carbon efficient. We are the greenest form of mass transportation."
In order to help drive further efficiency, May said congressional leadership and action are needed. He asked Congress to support fair funding for a modernized air traffic control system that will permit more direct aircraft routes and reduce fuel and emissions by 10 percent to 15 percent per flight; to reinvigorate NASA and FAA environmental research and development programs; and to take action to spur further commercial development of alternative fuels.
May also asked Congress to continue to support the ongoing efforts of the International Civil Aviation Organization to further address aviation's contribution to climate change in a global context.
In conclusion, May said, "We are asking you to work with us in addressing these environmental and energy concerns."
ATA members transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.
Air Transport Association
