‘Definitely not a good look’

The Coast Guard, through the Department of Homeland Security, purchased two private jets for Secretary Kristi Noem and other top department officials.

New York Times reports Coast Guard acting commander Kevin Lunday said the purchase was vital and a matter of safety, but the jets’ $172 million price tag drew criticism from the public.

On a Reddit to mail in the subdirectory r/uscgUsers discussed the supply of jets, focusing mainly on optics.

One user wrote, “Even if the funds have been approved and allocated in advance… …signing off during the shutdown is definitely not a good look.” in question.

“Incredibly selfish,” another commenter said added.

Questionable use of funding by governments and high-profile individuals is not unheard of. Just this year, FBI director Kash Patel drew criticism for using his FBI private jet to attend various sports games and other travel unrelated to his job, all while using taxpayer money to fly.

Not only is private flying much more expensive than commercial flying (a single plane ride often carries only a few people, or even a single person), but the environmental impact of private jet travel is also huge.

A recent study found that toxic pollution from private jet travel has increased by 46% in five years. As these jets run on dirty fuels, they are released into the air, causing pollution and causing global temperatures to rise.

One article by ConciAir explains that as private air travel increases, this is accompanied by shorter flights. “Short flights consume disproportionately more fuel during takeoff and landing… Coupled with the fact that private jets are often less fuel efficient than their large commercial counterparts, this means that private aviation is responsible for a growing share of the aviation industry’s overall emissions,” the article said.

Moves like these private plane purchases underscore the importance of voting pro-climate candidates. You can also look for the following to personally reduce your use of dirty fuel: low impact travel optionsLike taking the bus or train instead of short flights.

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