October 4th 2024.
After yet another summer of extreme heat waves around the world, it is time for Massport to reconsider their plans for expanding private jet hangar space at Hanscom Field Airport. The proposal to increase private jet services during a time of climate emergency is not only indefensible, but also highly irresponsible. As the public authority that owns and operates Hanscom North Airfield in Bedford, Worcester Airport, and Boston Logan Airport, Massport should prioritize the well-being of present and future residents of the Commonwealth and cancel this unnecessary and harmful project.
It is no secret that private jet travel is the most carbon-intensive form of transportation, emitting 10 to 20 times more pollution per passenger than commercial travel. This type of travel mostly serves multimillionaires and billionaires, with more than half of all flights at Hanscom Field heading to luxury and recreation destinations such as Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Aspen, Jackson Hole, and West Palm Beach. Meanwhile, we are experiencing the consequences of human-driven climate change, with NASA declaring this past summer as the hottest on record.
Despite this, two private developers, Runway Realty Ventures LLC and North Airfield Ventures LLC, are working with Massport on a plan to significantly increase the private jet hangar space at Hanscom Field, which is already the busiest private jet port in New England. In March, the developers submitted an environmental impact report that made unrealistic claims about the project, stating that it would not increase private jet operations or emissions. However, independent research has found the opposite to be true, with the expansion potentially adding 6,000 additional flights and 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
In June, the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office deemed the developers' report inadequate and not in compliance with regulations. As a result, they have been asked to submit a Supplemental DEIR to address the gaps in their initial report, including responding to the findings of the independent research. Meanwhile, opposition to the project continues to grow.
Last fall, a coalition of over 90 organizations called Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere submitted a petition with over 13,500 signatures to Governor Maura Healey, urging her to halt the project. During the public comment period in May, over 1,500 comments were submitted to MEPA, including from national, state, and local organizations and individuals, as well as government officials and agencies. The overwhelming majority of these comments opposed the expansion, citing concerns about its impact on the climate, environment, and finances.
In addition, the National Trust for Historic Preservation designated Minute Man National Historical Park, Walden Pond, and nearby landmarks as among America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places due to the threat of the proposed private jet expansion. The increase in jet traffic would lead to more noise, vehicle traffic, and negative environmental and climate impacts in these historic areas.
The expansion of private jet operations at Hanscom poses a direct threat to Massachusetts' efforts to combat climate change. If it goes ahead, the emissions from these jets alone could cancel out up to 70% of the climate benefits from all the solar power installed in the state. This is a clear misuse of taxpayer dollars, as it would only benefit the ultra-wealthy and their luxury travel.
Despite the growing opposition and evidence against the project, Massport continues to operate under a charter established in 1956, with a mindset that prioritizes unlimited aviation growth. However, in the face of climate change, lawmakers in Massachusetts are pushing for an update to Massport's charter to align it with the state's current policies and climate goals. In the most recent legislative session, a provision to update the charter was introduced by the Senate and received support from 41 co-sponsors in the House, representing 94 cities and towns across the Commonwealth.
The private jet lobby, which represents the most affluent and influential residents of Massachusetts, may try to justify their luxury travel by claiming to develop alternative jet fuels or other green solutions. However, a comprehensive study this year found that there is no realistic alternative or technologically advanced fix to reduce private jet emissions.
In light of all this, the proposed expansion of private jet operations at Hanscom during a time of climate emergency is not only irresponsible and indefensible, but also unjustifiable. It would only further harm our state, climate, and national landmarks, and must be stopped. Chuck Collins, who directs the Program on Inequality and co-edits Inequality.org at the Institute for Policy Studies, and Corinne Doud, who leads the Mothers Out Front Bedford Chapter of the Campaign to Stop Private Jet Expansion, have both been vocal opponents of the project, using their expertise and leadership to advocate for the well-being of the community and the environment.
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