In testimony April 2, the head of the Air Transport Association urged Congress to reinstate funds that have been cut from environmental research and development programs.

"We urge Congress to reinvigorate NASA and FAA environmental aeronautics R&D programs," said ATA President and CEO James C. May during a hearing before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. "Additional revolutionary advances in airframe and engine technology can only come through government-led R&D, which also serves to preserve American leadership in aeronautics."

May also said that Congress should assure that climate change-related legislation does not prevent the airline industry from investing in new technology. May said fuel prices constitute an incentive for airlines to invest in efforts to increase fuel efficiency.

"We are not asking you to work for us; we're asking you to work with us in addressing these important environment and energy concerns," May said.