TagGreenhouse gases(22)

The 'Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act,' introduced in the 116th Congress by Mr. Beyer, would require NASA to establish an initiative to develop and demonstrate new aircraft technologies capable of reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and noise emissions by at least 50 percent compared to the best-performing aircraft in service as of December 31, 2019. The bill responds to findings that aviation noise pollution is worsening in some communities as air traffic increases and performance-based navigation technology is adopted. It reflects a broader U.S. goal of carbon-neutral aviation growth from 2020 onward.

This 2018 presentation by Port of Seattle Senior Manager Leslie Stanton outlines air quality initiatives at Sea-Tac Airport, covering the types and sources of air pollution including greenhouse gases and regulated pollutants such as NOx, SOx, and particulate matter. It highlights efforts to reduce emissions through clean vehicle programs, including Sea-Tac's distinction as the first US airport to require green taxis and green TNCs, conversion of CNG buses to electric, and expanded EV charging infrastructure. The presentation also addresses passenger ground transportation planning aimed at improving public transit access and reducing the airport's overall environmental footprint.

The Port of Seattle's Sustainability Evaluation Framework outlines six key goals for guiding energy and sustainability decisions: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting public health and the environment, supporting local economic development, advancing race and social justice, leveraging partnerships, and encouraging innovation. Developed by the Energy Production Subcommittee, the framework provides outcomes and evaluation criteria for each goal, supplementing existing financial measures like return on investment. The subcommittee recommends the Port incorporate these considerations into its decision-making when evaluating energy sources and projects.

In October 2017, the Port of Seattle's Energy and Sustainability Committee recommended allocating 3.8 new staff positions and $921,000 in consulting services to advance greenhouse gas reduction goals for both aviation and maritime operations. Key initiatives included reducing natural gas use at airport terminals, improving energy efficiency at maritime facilities, and developing programs to cut ground transportation emissions. These efforts were designed to meet Century Agenda targets of 15% Scope 1 and 2 GHG reductions by 2020 and 50–80% Scope 3 reductions by 2030–2050.

In October 2017, the Port of Seattle Commission adopted a motion setting greenhouse gas reduction priorities and implementing recommendations from its Energy and Sustainability Committee. The motion established targets to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions — aiming for 15% below 2005 levels by 2020, 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050. It also directed staff to develop a Sustainability Project Evaluation Framework, select pilot projects, and add three full-time employees to advance the Port's energy and sustainability goals.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Environment and Sustainability Programs outline the airport's efforts to become the greenest, most energy-efficient airport in North America across four key areas: air quality and emissions reduction, green transportation, waste reduction and recycling, and water and wildlife management. Initiatives include providing pre-conditioned air and electricity at gates to cut aircraft engine greenhouse gas emissions by over 40,000 metric tons, transitioning vehicles to cleaner energy sources, and working toward recycling 60 percent of solid waste by 2020. The airport also actively manages 160 acres of wetland habitat, uses avian radar to protect wildlife, and has relocated more than 800 birds to reduce hazards to aircraft.

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.