From:            sarah shifley
To:                Commission-Public-Records
Subject:           [EXTERNAL] Public Comment for Commission Regular Meeting (6/23/2020)
Date:              Monday, June 22, 2020 9:51:37 AM
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Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to reiterate serious concerns regarding emissions and pollution from Sea-Tac
Airport operations.
As many have previously testified, GHG emissions from Sea-Tac operations make up a huge
percentage of our region's contribution to the climate crisis. According to King County's 2017
GHG emissions inventory, that year's aviation emissions, based on total fuel used, totaled
7,168,000 MgCO2e, or nearly a quarter of the county's emissions. And that's without
considering that aviation emissions have a double to quadruple times greater warming impact
than on-the-ground emissions. If we do not significantly reduce aviation emissions, they will
eclipse any reductions achieved in other sectors and lead us into an greater climate crisis.
Aviation is also a serious environmental justice issue. The Department of Commerce's Draft
Sea-Tac Airport Effect Study shows that communities hammered by air and noise pollution
from Sea-Tac operations are less white and lower income than the rest of the state. However,
they see little to no measurable benefit from Sea-Tac operations. In other words, they bear all
of the burden and none of the benefits. 
The Port has repeatedly said that it is committed to sustainability and equity, yet it has done
nothing to reduce climate-destroying aviation emissions or address the disparate impact
aviation pollution has on low-income communities and communities of color. This is
shameful.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide this testimony.
Sarah Shifley