"Democratic Lawmakers Call For Emissions Reductions In Airline Bailout"

"A number of Senate Democrats say any airline bailout package must include measures that limit carbon emissions from the industry.

The airline industry asked the government Monday for over $50 billion in assistance, including both $30 billion in grants and another $25 billion in loans and tax relief, as airline traffic has nosedived amid the coronavirus outbreak. President Trump has said he intends to provide help for the airlines.

But Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) say those funds should come with strings attached.

“Carbon offsets should be a condition for any such bailouts,” Whitehouse tweeted Tuesday afternoon. “Airlines that want public support should live public values.”"

Rebecca Beitsch reports for The Hill March 17, 2020.