Environmental groups, who have been outspoken about climate change, chose not to comment when questioned about Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign expenditures of almost $7 million on private jet flights since July.
In just six weeks starting in July, Harris spent nearly $4 million on private flights. This comes after she called on Americans to change their habits to combat climate change. A review by Fox News Digital revealed this staggering expenditure.
In September alone, Harris splurged an additional $3.1 million on private planes, as per the latest review of new filings with the Federal Election Commission.
Fox News Digital reached out to various environmental groups, including Sunrise Movement, the Center for Biological Diversity, Greenpeace, Earth Island Institute, Earth Justice, Naturefriends International, and International Union for Conservation of Nature, to inquire about Vice President Harris’ private flights.
However, no response was received from any of these organizations, despite their previous protests against private jet use.
In 2023, members of the Sunrise Movement organized a protest at East Hampton Airport, aimed at disrupting and opposing private air travel. They took a stand by preventing planes from taking off and landing, making their voices heard against the negative impact of this mode of transportation.
“The #ClimateCrisis is being exacerbated by the super rich, who openly flaunt their lifestyles that contribute to the destruction of our planet. Greenpeace is calling for an end to this irresponsible behavior, stating that private jets symbolize social and climate injustice. It highlights the fact that a privileged few are able to fly without any restrictions, without considering the consequences for our environment.”
PJS provides a variety of services, including a light jet that can accommodate up to seven passengers and travel at speeds of up to 535 miles per hour. Additionally, they offer an airliner option that can comfortably seat anywhere from 150 to 350 passengers.
According to the PJS website, they proudly declare themselves as America’s first carbon-neutral private aviation company. Harris’ campaign has stated that she will not support the expansion of fossil fuel drilling.
Sunrise Movement protesters recently congregated near the home of Vice President Kamala Harris in Brentwood, California. Their purpose was to urge Harris to use her influence in encouraging President Biden to declare a climate emergency. This event occurred on Sunday, April 14, 2024. (Robert Gauthier)
The Harris campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital’s inquiry about whether they take into account the carbon footprint of private jet flights.
According to the National Library of Medicine, private aviation is considered the most energy-intensive form of air travel. The fuel consumption per passenger may vary, but it is estimated to be approximately 10 to 20 times higher than the average fuel consumption per passenger hour for a commercial flight.
Harris has previously referred to climate change as a significant threat to our existence and emphasized the role of human activities in contributing to this issue.
In September 2020, Kamala Harris, the then-Democratic vice presidential nominee, was seen disembarking from a private plane at Raleigh Durham International Airport in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“There is no doubt that we need to be practical. However, being practical also acknowledges that climate change poses an existential threat to us as individuals.
It recognizes that greenhouse gas emissions endanger our air and our planet, and that as human beings, we have the ability to alter our actions in order to mitigate its impact. This is a practical approach.”
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Harris has once again opted for the use of private jets to travel for her campaign activities. However, this is not a new practice for her.
Back in 2019, Harris’ campaign had already spent a substantial amount of money on charter flights provided by Air Partner Inc. This company prides itself on being a top-notch private aircraft charter service, boasting a fleet of over 7,000 private jets.
“We offer access to a wide range of private jets, from smaller models to large global cabin jets,” states our website. “You have the flexibility to select the aircraft that best suits your travel needs, whether you’re flying for business or leisure purposes.”