We used p16 global knockout (KO) and p16 lung epithelial cell-specific KO (p16<sup>CreCC10</sup>) mice to determine whether p16 removal in lung epithelium augments or protects against cellular senescence (SIPS and SASP) in chronic CS- and elastase-induced development of COPD/emphysema in mice. p16 KO mice exposed to chronic CS and p16 lung epithelial cell-specific KO mice exposed to elastase did not show attenuation of lung inflammation, altered lung function, or airspace enlargement. p16 KO and p16<sup>CreCC10</sup> exposed to CS and elastase showed increases in lung senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity.