Energy Watchdog Reports Astonishing Carbon Emissions from Bernie Sanders’ Tour

Energy Watchdog Reports Astonishing Carbon Emissions from Bernie Sanders’ Tour

FIRST ON FOX: Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont is currently on a national tour titled “Fighting Oligarchy,” drawing significant attention for his use of private jets. An energy watchdog group recently calculated the total carbon emissions resulting from his flights, revealing an alarming environmental impact.

During the 16 planned stops on his tour, which features the prominent involvement of progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders’ private jet produced an estimated 62.15 metric tons of carbon dioxide, according to a report from Power the Future.

To contextualize these emissions, Power the Future highlighted that this figure is comparable to burning 62,600 pounds of coal or driving a gas-powered SUV across a distance of 150,000 miles. This amount of carbon pollution could also supply energy to every home in Burlington, Vermont, Sanders’ hometown, for several weeks or sustain nine U.S. homes for an entire year.

Moreover, Power the Future calculated that the emissions from this tour exceed the total carbon dioxide output of the average American over a five-year period. Consequently, these emissions offset the carbon reclamation efforts of nearly 2,900 trees over the course of one year.

Dan Turner, founder and executive director of Power the Future, criticized Sanders for his actions. He noted that despite strongly advocating for legislation that penalizes individuals for their carbon footprint and proposing jail time for fossil fuel executives amid climate change discussions, Sanders’ personal choices showcase a disconnect. Turner characterized Sanders as a “fake socialist” and suggested that his behavior as a “limousine liberal” contradicts the values he champions.

Turner stated to Fox News Digital, “The climate movement is dead, and Bernie Sanders’ hypocrisy helped kill it.” His remarks reflect a growing frustration among proponents of climate action regarding the perceived inconsistencies of prominent figures within the movement.

Defending Private Jet Travel

In a valuable interview with Fox News, Sanders firmly declined to issue an apology for his use of private jets. He defended his travel choices by asserting that commercial flights often do not provide a feasible alternative for his travel needs.

“That’s the only way to get around,” Sanders insisted during his discussion with Bret Baier. “No apologies for that. That’s what campaign travel is about. We’ve done it in the past. We’re gonna do it in the future.” He emphasized the demanding nature of campaign schedules, which often require visiting multiple locations to engage with substantial audiences.

“You run a campaign and have three or four or five rallies in a week. It’s the only way you can engage with thousands of people,” he argued. “You think I’m going to sit in line at United while 30,000 people are waiting?” His rationale highlights the challenges faced by candidates in balancing public commitments with logistical realities.

Questionable Flight Choices

Power the Future pointed out specific flights taken by Sanders, such as a private journey from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles. This particular route is serviced by numerous commercial flights daily, which raises questions about the necessity of choosing a private jet for that segment of his tour.

Financial records reveal that Sanders’ campaign committee, Friends of Bernie Sanders, incurred expenses exceeding $221,000 on private jet charters during the first quarter of 2025. These expenses were documented in Federal Election Commission filings reviewed by Fox News Digital, with details initially reported by The Washington Free Beacon. The majority of the expenses were allocated across three private jet companies: Ventura Jets, Cirrus Aviation Services, and N-Jet.

Interestingly, last month, Fox News Digital reported that Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez utilized a private jet valued at up to $15,000 per hour for various stops on their tour. This exorbitant cost raises further scrutiny regarding the sincerity of their message to the public.

Public Reactions

The term “champagne socialists” has arisen in discussions about Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, suggesting a divergence between their environmental rhetoric and their luxurious traveling habits. Ben Petersen, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, expressed intense criticisms regarding this juxtaposition. He stated, “Champagne socialists Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demand Americans surrender their pick-up trucks, air conditioning, and meat from the luxe leather seats of their private jets that cost more per hour than most Americans earn in months. Their hypocrisy is staggering.”

This sentiment underscores the growing political tension surrounding climate issues and the perceived duplicity of prominent figures advocating for change while not adhering to those values in their personal choices.

The Path Forward for Climate Advocacy

The conversation surrounding Sanders’ tour brings important scrutiny to the complexities of environmental advocacy within contemporary politics. As leaders like Sanders call for significant changes to combat climate change, public expectations for accountability grow. Advocates for the environment are increasingly vocal about the need for genuine commitment to sustainable practices, especially from those who wield significant influence.

Going forward, potential candidates and leaders will need to navigate the evolving expectations of their constituents while balancing personal lifestyle choices with their advocacy efforts. The scrutiny of Sanders’ tour serves as a reminder that transparency and authentic practices are crucial in the fight against climate change.

Fox News Digital reached out to Sanders’ office for further comment, but a response was not immediately provided. As public interest grows, this issue is likely to persist in discussions about climate responsibility and political statements.