TagClimate(82)

This EPA report tracks U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and sinks from 1990 to 2015, covering sources such as transportation, agriculture, industry, and waste. It was published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2017 and is available for download on the EPA website. Note: this document does not appear to contain information relevant to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

This EPA report summarizes U.S. greenhouse gas emissions data from 1990 to 2015, showing that total emissions reached 6,587 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2015, a 2.3% decrease from 2014 levels. Carbon dioxide makes up the largest share at 82% of emissions, with electricity generation and transportation being the biggest contributing economic sectors at 29% and 27% respectively. The report includes detailed emissions breakdowns by gas type, economic sector, and fuel source, along with unit conversion tables and global warming potential values for reference.

This 2015 report from the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) outlines the aviation industry's framework for addressing its climate impact, noting that while air transport carries over 3.3 billion passengers annually and supports 3.5% of global GDP, it also accounts for roughly 2% of human-induced CO2 emissions. The document presents the industry's strategies for balancing continued air traffic growth with the obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It represents a collaborative effort across airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and aircraft manufacturers to pursue sustainable development goals.

A University of Washington case study examines whether the Des Moines Creek Regional Detention Facility (RDF), a 30+ acre stormwater management site near Sea-Tac Airport, can serve as a model for understanding how projected Pacific Northwest climate changes—wetter winters, drier summers, and stronger storms—may affect local wetland ecosystems. Researchers found potential hydrologic similarities between the RDF's altered water patterns and regional climate change projections, though no clear vegetation shifts were observed. The study recommends further hydrologic modeling and a comprehensive plant monitoring program to better assess long-term wetland impacts.

This 2011 report by the Stockholm Environment Institute estimates King County, Washington's greenhouse gas emissions for 2008 using a 'geographic plus' methodology, covering sources such as transportation, buildings, industry, and waste. Total emissions reached approximately 23.4 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2008, a 5% increase from 2003, with transportation accounting for roughly half of all emissions. The findings were used by King County and its partners to identify major emission sources and develop strategies to meet community greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Resolution No. 3650 was adopted by the Port of Seattle Commission on May 3, 2011, updating the Port's policies and procedures under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to reflect changes in law and improve effectiveness. The resolution requires the Port to analyze and, where appropriate, mitigate the environmental impacts of its proposals, including consideration of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. It supersedes all prior related resolutions and formally designates policies that may be used to condition or deny actions under SEPA's substantive authority.