At the Department of Transportation, Annie Petsonk’s Experience and Charisma Will Forge a Path Toward Sustainable Flight

The Biden administration named Annie Petsonk to serve as principal deputy assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs at the Department of Transportation. Annie spent the last 25 years working on international climate change policy at Environmental Defense Fund, for many years representing EDF at the UN climate talks and most recently leading EDF’s efforts to address the climate impacts from international aviation.

“Annie Petsonk is the right person, at the right time, to take on the challenge of ensuring that as the aviation industry recovers, it does so with an eye firmly on sustainability, jobs, equity and concern for underserved communities. Annie is an indomitable force. Her tireless, brilliant work at EDF has helped bring about transformational changes in the aviation industry that will benefit the planet and the future of flight.

“At EDF, Annie led our work on international aviation, including the adoption of a global airline cap on climate emissions from international flights, as well as our push for stronger aircraft pollution limits, and the wider use of sustainable aviation fuels.   

“Importantly, Annie is a compassionate leader who understands both the need for the aviation industry to address its pollution and the reality that there is a global aviation workforce counting on the industry to bounce back, and soon. Reducing aviation emissions requires smart, practical policies, and Annie is just the person to help develop them.   
     
“The Department of Transportation is gaining an effective, trailblazing and highly respected leader who will advance America’s interests in the world, help raise America’s standing globally, and ensure that the aviation industry is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future.”  

• Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund