Vice President Kamala Harris has come under scrutiny for her significant spending on private jet flights, totaling nearly $7 million since July. This has raised eyebrows, especially considering her vocal stance on climate change and the need for individuals to change their habits to combat environmental issues.
Recent filings with the Federal Election Commission reveal that Harris spent approximately $4 million on private flights in just six weeks starting in July. In September alone, she allocated an additional $3.1 million towards private planes, drawing attention to her extensive use of this upscale form of travel.
Despite the silence from prominent environmental groups that have previously protested private jet use, Harris' choice of transportation has sparked controversy. Groups like Sunrise Movement and Greenpeace, known for their activism against climate injustice, did not respond to inquiries regarding Harris' private flights.
Harris utilized two different companies for her private flights in September: Private Jet Services Group (PJS) and Advanced Aviation Team. PJS, which claims to be America's first carbon-neutral private aviation company, offers a range of services catering to various passenger capacities and travel distances.
Private aviation is recognized as the most energy-intensive form of air travel, with significantly higher fuel consumption per passenger compared to commercial flights. Despite this, Harris has emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, referring to it as an existential threat that requires changes in human behavior.
This is not the first time Harris has faced criticism for her private jet usage. During her 2019 presidential campaign, her team spent substantial amounts on chartered flights, highlighting a pattern of reliance on private aircraft for travel.
As the debate surrounding Harris' private jet spending continues, questions arise about the consistency of her actions with her environmental advocacy. The juxtaposition of advocating for climate change action while engaging in high levels of carbon-intensive travel underscores the complexities of balancing personal choices with public commitments to sustainability.
