Seattle Port Commission Targets Reduced Airport Emissions

Action calls for greater federal involvement in emission reduction efforts

At today's meeting, Port of Seattle Commissioners heard the results of a recently conducted greenhouse gas inventory at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Following the briefing, the Commission adopted a motion which supports federal efforts to reduce aircraft emissions and directs staff to establish targets for emission reduction at the airport. Those targets will be presented to the Commission by the end of 2008.

"Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is one of the first airports in the country to conduct a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory - but it is only the first step in a robust effort to reduce the environmental impact of the facility," said Commission President John Creighton, who sponsored the motion. "We know that aircraft emissions are a significant source of greenhouse gases, and any credible greenhouse gas reduction strategy must address those emissions. We expect continued growth in the number of travelers using Sea-Tac, and as more people fly more often, we must work quickly to implement effective ways of protecting our region's air quality while supporting the region's demand for efficient air travel."

The Commission's action calls for increased federal action in the areas of airspace protocols that help reduce fuel consumption and increased funding for research into aircraft propulsion. In addition, the motion supports California's call for the EPA to develop global warming regulations for aircraft.

Several initiatives are directed specifically toward reducing local airport-related emissions. In addition to the emission reduction plan, Port staff members are directed to work in collaboration with aviation partners to set measurable targets for emission reductions by the end of 2008; if no targets are developed, the Commission may consider carbon offsets or fees. Finally, staff will conduct greenhouse gas inventories at Sea-Tac Airport every five years to measure the effectiveness of emissions-reduction efforts.

"We are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of all aspects of our operations, including those at Sea-Tac," said Port CEO Tay Yoshitani. "I believe that we can continue to achieve the Port's mission of creating jobs and economic growth while working to protect the air, sea and land that surrounds us. I am grateful for the Commission's leadership in this area, and I look forward to working on the tasks entrusted to us in today's motion."

A full copy of the greenhouse gas inventory can be seen by clicking here. The motion adopted by the Commission can be viewed here.

Today's motion follows on the heels of the Commission's adoption of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, a maritime emissions reduction plan developed in partnership with the Ports of Tacoma and Vancouver, B.C. A full copy of the Clean Air Strategy can be viewed by clicking here or visiting the Port's Web site.

Port of Seattle transportation facilities support nearly 200,000 jobs in the Puget Sound region and generate more than $12 billion in business revenue and $626 million in state and local taxes annually.