Three Washington cities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport — Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac — filed a legal challenge on November 24, 2025, asking a federal appeals court to review the FAA's September 2025 decision approving near-term construction and expansion projects under the airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan. The cities argue the FAA's environmental finding, known as a FONSI/ROD, should be scrutinized by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction because the cities are located within that circuit. The petition was filed on the last allowable day of the 60-day filing window, as the original deadline fell on a Sunday.Open full document
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A petition filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit challenging the FAA’s Finding of Significant Impact/Record of Decision for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The petition was filed by three Washington cities seeking review of the September 24, 2025 FAA decision.