In April 2020, U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Adam Smith, and Rick Larsen wrote to FAA Administrator Steve Dickson urging a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), arguing that the FAA's planned limited Environmental Assessment was inadequate. The lawmakers contended that a comprehensive cumulative impact review was necessary to properly evaluate decades of growing noise and health impacts on communities surrounding Sea-Tac Airport. They warned that proceeding with a narrower assessment risked legal challenges that could delay critical airport infrastructure projects.Open full document
Notes
Congressional representatives Pramila Jayapal, Adam Smith, and Rick Larsen write to FAA Administrator Steve Dickson expressing concern that the planned Environmental Assessment for the Port of Seattle’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan is inadequate. They argue that a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement is needed to properly assess cumulative impacts of airport expansion. The letter requests the FAA conduct deeper scoping to meet NEPA requirements rather than proceed with a limited EA.