Goals for U.S. Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050

United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg released his administration’s newest Climate Action Plan at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. Geared towards cementing a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal from the U.S. aviation sector by 2050, he promises the plan can combat climate change while growing the economy and creating skilled, high-paying employment for workers in America.

The DOT emphasized a few of the goals, with increased production of sustainable aviation fuels, development of new aircraft technology, streamlining operational efficiency, and cutting airport emissions. 

Sustainable aviation fuels have been a running theme for 2021, with many of the biggest manufacturers already using blends up to 50% of non-petroleum compounds in their testing. Recent improvements have led to considerable development in 100% SAF flights, where grown, synthesized, or reprocessed waste oils are used to power flight. The DOT states that their use is vital to slash future emissions, and are close enough to be implemented throughout the aviation system after approval for use throughout the fleet. With access to a wide range of feedstocks in the US, the use of wastes, residues, biomass, sugar, oils, and gaseous sources of carbon could all play a part in the impending SAF bonanza. Government support will only increase, like this year’s SAF Grand Challenge, a program to boost production to at least 3 billion gallons per year by 2030. 

The growth of the advanced air mobility sector has shown just how quickly the market responds to quickly evolving technology.

To help work with stakeholders, NASA and the FAA have used the Sustainable Flight National Partnership to guide the industry and accelerate development of more efficient aircraft and engine tech. With an estimated 30% improvement in fuel savings compared to legacy aircraft, with substantial noise and emissions benefits, the next generation of commercial aircraft, and urban transport, have a good chance of beating green targets well in advance of 2050. 

The plan also builds on existing programs to address waste and emissions. Among the projects touted are the new Zero Emission Vehicle Program that provides grants to replace or convert ground vehicles, as well as the Energy Efficiency Program to reduce consumption. Another FAA grant program earmarked more than $100 million to increase aircraft efficiency, reduce noise and aircraft emissions, and develop software to minimize taxi delays.

FMI: www.dot.gov