Under a new plan, 10 percent of jet fuel available at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) will be required to be produced locally and from sustainable resources by 2028, and 25 percent by 2035.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) has become the first airport in the United States to set a specific timetable and goals for reducing the use of fossil fuels and transitioning all airlines to sustainable aviation fuels.
On Dec. 21, the Port of Seattle Commission, which operates Sea-Tac Airport, agreed to set a rule where within 10 years, a minimum of 10 percent of available jet fuel at the airport would have to be produced locally and from sustainable resources. The amount would then increase to 25 percent by 2035 and 50 percent by 2050.
The port commission said in a statement that it believes the timetable “will create a market signal to facilitate the establishment of a domestic/local source” of sustainable aviation fuels at a commercially competitive rate.
The commission’s action is a continuation of the port’s work to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help airlines transition to sustainable aviation fuels.
In 2016, the port worked with Boeing and Alaska Airlines for a first-of-its-kind study identifying the best infrastructure options for the delivery of sustainable fuels to Sea-Tac. The port also worked with international think tank Carbon War Room on a report analyzing supply chain financing options.
“The tremendous growth of our airport needs to be met with equally bold efforts to reduce impacts on the environment and the health of the surrounding communities,” Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman said. “I’m so fortunate to be able to help carry on the great work.”
The port said it plans to work with airlines and distributors to develop the market for sustainable aviation fuels, which is believes is critical to making the fuels cost competitive without subsidies.
