Category : Legislation(152)

A 2023 Washington State legislative funding request of $412,000 seeks to establish two ultrafine particle air quality monitors near Sea-Tac Airport and the I-5/I-90 interchange in Seattle, operated by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The project aims to measure tiny airborne particles — particularly those produced by aircraft and vehicle traffic — that are not currently tracked routinely in Washington State. The University of Washington would analyze the collected data to identify pollution sources and establish health-impact baselines, with monitoring expected to begin in spring 2024.

Washington State House Bill 1791 (2023) establishes a new Commercial Aviation Coordinating Work Group to study the state's long-range aviation needs over the next 20 years, replacing the previous Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission whose work was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 19-member work group, appointed by the governor, will evaluate airport capacity across Washington and assess the potential need for a new commercial airport, taking into account community and environmental impacts. The study is particularly focused on meeting growing aviation demand in western Washington, which has direct implications for how future air traffic and infrastructure decisions may affect communities around Sea-Tac Airport.

Washington House Bill 1505 (2023) aims to promote the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by establishing tax incentives, clean fuel credits, and research initiatives to grow the alternative jet fuel industry in the state. The bill defines 'alternative jet fuel' as lower-carbon fuels that can be blended with conventional jet fuel without modifying aircraft engines or existing infrastructure. Beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the legislation highlights improved air quality benefits for airport workers and communities surrounding airports like Sea-Tac.