TagTina Orwall(44)

This 2023 Washington State House amendment (adopted March 8, 2023) updates the intent statement of SHB 1791 to more specifically acknowledge the environmental, health, social, and economic impacts that a major commercial airport can have on surrounding communities. It references a Puget Sound Regional Council study projecting that by 2050, central Puget Sound will face a significant gap between aviation demand and capacity. The amendment emphasizes that exploring alternatives to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport — potentially including new or expanded airports — is critical to meeting future regional transportation needs.

A 2023 Washington State legislative funding request of $412,000 seeks to establish two ultrafine particle air quality monitors near Sea-Tac Airport and the I-5/I-90 interchange in Seattle, operated by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The project aims to measure tiny airborne particles — particularly those produced by aircraft and vehicle traffic — that are not currently tracked routinely in Washington State. The University of Washington would analyze the collected data to identify pollution sources and establish health-impact baselines, with monitoring expected to begin in spring 2024.

The Burien Airport Committee held a meeting on December 20, 2022, to discuss issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and its impact on the surrounding community. Key agenda items included a presentation on the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission, updates on a Climate Action Plan proposal to fund a community air filter event to address airport-related air quality concerns, and federal legislative updates from Mayor Sofia Aragon. The meeting also covered a review of the committee's workplan and announcements about open positions for new commission members.

The Burien Airport Committee held meetings in November and December 2021 to discuss issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport noise impacts on the surrounding community. Key topics included the Port of Seattle's Sound Insulation Program for homes built before 1987, an upcoming legislative session update from Representative Tina Orwall, and the UW Healthy Air, Healthy Schools Study. The committee also reviewed the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) comment period and received updates on the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) activities.

A 2021 Washington State legislative funding request of $912,810, sponsored by Representatives Tina Orwall and Jesse Johnson, seeks to deploy HEPA portable air cleaners in 20 schools across SeaTac, Des Moines, Federal Way, Normandy Park, and Burien to reduce students' exposure to outdoor air pollution from traffic and wildfire smoke. The University of Washington's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences would lead the project, measuring indoor air quality improvements and student performance outcomes. The initiative builds on an ongoing 2021 pilot study monitoring air quality in five schools within the Highline and Federal Way School Districts.