Airports Seek to Enhance Environmental Programs in FAA Reauthorization

CONTACT:
Eileen Denne, edenne@aci-na.aero (202) 293-4537

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACI-NA Testifies at House T & I Committee on Global Climate Change

WASHINGTON (May 16, 2007) – On behalf of  U.S. airports, Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) President Greg Principato testified on May 16 before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, urging Congress to support proactive efforts by the airport industry to address global climate change.

During the hearing on "Climate Change and Energy Independence: Transportation and Infrastructure Issues," Principato testified that progress can be made in the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization legislation through the following:

• Establishment of a pilot program of not more than 10 public-use airports where airport sponsors could use Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds to plan, design and construct new terminal facilities or retrofit existing terminal facilities with equipment, systems or other means of reducing adverse environmental impacts;
• Expansion of AIP eligibility to cover both the development of Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) and the implementation of measures identified in such EMSs;
• Removal of the requirement in the current AIP program that only allows airports in nonattainment or maintenance areas to acquire low emission vehicles or convert existing vehicles to low emission vehicles;
•  And, expansion of AIP eligibility to include facilities for providing compressed natural gas (CNG) electric recharging facilities for low emission technology vehicles operating on airports.

In addition, ACI-NA advocated that the Committee make the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) permanent and authorize it at the Administration's requested level of $15 million, with a $5 million designation for much needed environmental research.

Airports throughout the United States support Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) initiatives to modernize the air transportation system, ACI-NA's testimony stated. An improved system will increase efficiency through smoother air traffic flow, resulting in fuel savings and reduced emissions at the airport level and en route.

Many airports have already made efforts to reduce their impact on global climate change.

Principato testified that, "Recognizing that the industry's main contribution to global warming - emissions from the operation of aircraft - is outside the control of any individual airport, our members are doing their part to minimize impacts to climate change just as with other environmental impacts such as water quality, noise, and local air quality.

"Even though greenhouse gas emissions are not regulated in the United States, many airports are proactively working to reduce those emissions associated with airport operations on an individual airport basis in order to meet the capacity needs of the global aviation system."

Greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies employed by airports have included: investing in and promoting the use of alternative fuel and low emission vehicles and energy saving equipment; recycling building and construction materials, waste and water; improving the operational efficiency of the airfield and landside system; acquiring green power; and providing emissions reducing services for aircraft at the gate.

ACI-NA President Greg Principato's testimony on Global Climate Change (pdf file)

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About ACI-NA:
The mission of Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) is to advocate policies and provide services that strengthen the ability of air carrier airports to serve their passengers, customers and communities. ACI-NA represents local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. Nearly 400 aviation-related businesses are also members of the association, which is the largest of the five worldwide regions of Airports Council International.