TagStART(502)

In December 2022, the Port of Seattle and six nearby cities (SeaTac, Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Tukwila, and Federal Way) wrote to Washington's congressional delegation urging them to include aircraft noise and emissions reforms in the 2023 FAA Reauthorization bill. Their seven proposals cover topics such as expanding federal funding for noise insulation upgrades in homes near Sea-Tac Airport, creating a new Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee, and accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to cut carbon and air pollution. The letter reflects the work of the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), a collaborative forum the Port and cities jointly established to address the growing impact of airport operations on surrounding communities.

The Highline Forum met on November 16, 2022, hosted by the Highline School District at SeaTac City Hall, with a focus on the South King County Community Impact Fund and Port Noise Program updates. The agenda included presentations from the Port of Seattle, Sound Transit, and the Washington Department of Transportation, alongside public comment opportunities offered both in-person and virtually via Microsoft Teams. The document also lists six bimonthly Highline Forum meeting dates scheduled throughout 2023, each running from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.

The Burien Airport Committee held a public meeting on November 15, 2022, via Zoom to discuss issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and its impact on the community. Agenda items included a climate action plan proposal to fund a community air filter event, updates on the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), federal legislative updates, and a review of the committee's workplan. The meeting also covered potential volunteers for the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and a discussion about returning to in-person meetings.

Delta Air Lines has committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with shorter-term goals including using 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030 and setting science-based emissions targets aligned with aviation industry guidance. To reduce its environmental footprint, Delta has retired over 200 older aircraft and replaced them with newer, more fuel-efficient models that burn 20-25% less fuel. The airline's emissions reduction strategy relies on three main levers: fleet renewal, operational improvements, and increased use of SAF.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is taking steps to reduce air pollution by targeting fossil fuel combustion from diesel vehicles, aircraft engines, and roadway traffic. Key initiatives include providing electric vehicle incentives for rideshare drivers like Uber and Lyft, electrifying rental car and Port-owned fleets, and exploring programs to encourage travelers to use greener transit options. These efforts aim to address both local air quality and broader greenhouse gas emissions at the airport.

This October 2022 FAA presentation by Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor Dr. Jim Hileman outlines the agency's efforts to advance Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) as a key strategy for reducing aviation's carbon footprint. SAF are 'drop-in' fuels compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, capable of significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions across their full lifecycle—from feedstock production to combustion. The FAA supports multiple approved SAF production pathways and works with federal partners and international bodies to scale up SAF use as part of broader aviation decarbonization goals.

The StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting held on October 26, 2022 via Zoom covered key topics including the announcement of a Part 150 Noise Study, airline and FAA efforts on Sustainable Aviation Fuel and air emission reduction, and updates on the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Master Plan (SAMP). Presenters included representatives from Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, the FAA, and the Port of Seattle. The meeting was part of an ongoing series aimed at fostering cooperation between the Port of Seattle and communities surrounding Sea-Tac Airport.