TagStART(508)

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.

Alaska Airlines has outlined a sustainability roadmap targeting net zero carbon emissions by 2040, using a five-step approach that includes improving operational efficiency, introducing newer Boeing 737 aircraft, scaling up Sustainable Aviation Fuel, transitioning to electrified or hybrid regional fleets, and using carbon offsets only as a last resort. The airline also aims to become the most fuel-efficient U.S. carrier, reduce ground equipment emissions by 50% by 2025, and cut onboard waste and water use. Employee performance-based pay is partially tied to carbon efficiency metrics, reflecting a company-wide commitment to environmental goals.

The Burien Airport Committee held a meeting on October 18, 2022, via Zoom to address issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and its impact on the surrounding community. Agenda items included a budget proposal to fund a community air filter event as part of the Climate Action Plan, updates from the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), and federal legislative updates related to airport noise policy. The committee also reviewed its 2022 workplan and discussed the possibility of resuming in-person meetings.

The Highline Forum met on September 28, 2022, hosted by the Highline School District, to discuss two main topics: an update on the South King County Community Impact Fund and an update on the Port of Seattle's noise program. The hybrid meeting, held both in person and via Microsoft Teams, also included a StART update from Port of Seattle's Lance Lyttle and roundtable discussions from community members. This was the fifth of six scheduled 2022 Forum meetings, with the final session set for November 16, 2022, hosted by the City of SeaTac.

The Burien Airport Committee held meetings in August and September 2022 to address issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including air pollution harms and mitigation strategies for Burien residents, and updates from the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART). The September 20, 2022 agenda featured a proposal by committee member Savannah Sly to educate the public on air pollution impacts, alongside a committee workplan review led by Mayor Sofia Aragon. Meetings were conducted via Zoom webinar due to ongoing COVID-19 emergency provisions, with public comment accepted by email, text, or live online participation.

The StART Federal Policy Working Group met on September 19, 2022, to receive a briefing on the history and limitations of the FAA's 65 DNL aircraft noise standard, which new surveys suggest may significantly underestimate the share of people highly annoyed by airport noise. The group also received updates on federal funding opportunities under the Infrastructure Bill and Inflation Reduction Act, and reviewed a draft 2023 FAA Reauthorization Priorities Letter urging the FAA to revisit its noise policies. Members discussed plans for a joint trip to Washington, D.C. to personally advocate for updated noise standards with congressional leaders.