OUR WHY

Dear Aviation impacted communities, allies and supporters,

Thank you to those who supported the Fix The Harm campaign, the No Added Harm campaign and amending the 2020 King County Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP).  We were able to include aviation Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions for the first time in the SCAP and establish the Joint Aircraft Emissions Technical & Community Task Force (Task Force). The Task Force completed its work in 2023. 

Out of the Task Force report, we learned that aviation GHG emissions constitute an alarming 15% of all King County emissions. We know that aviation air and noise pollution can lead to health, climate and environmental harms.  With SeaTac Airport’s proposed 20% increase in flight service, we know that the air and noise pollution will significantly increase.

On July 21,2025, we, as concerned organizations, sent a 19-page letter to the King County Council Transportation, Economy and Environmental (TrEE) Committee asking to amend the 2025 SCAP to require the King County Executive to submit in one year 3 plans for: 1) aviation health mitigation, 2) aviation GHG reduction and 3) King County tree canopy goal recommendation with a workplan strengthen community and climate resilience.   

Our aviation impacted communities number approximately half a million residents, living near airports and under flight paths, with the majority residing in south King County.  This is an equity issue for the 64.6% people of color, and 29% immigrants and refugees, with aviation impacts on these communities landing harder and faster.

We ask that you sign our letter as individuals or as an organization. When the time comes, we ask that you also give public comment or submit a letter to the King County Council TrEE Committee or the full Council. The 2025 SCAP will be reviewed in August and September, before the budget season starts. Please stay tuned for updates on this important work.

Yes we can, for the sake of our beloved communities and the health of our people, planet and joint future.

In community,

Aviation Community Health, Environment, and Climate Advocates 

Beacon Hill Council Chair Maria Batayola 

Climate Solutions WA Local Policy Manager Deepa Sivarajan 

Duwamish River Community Coalition Clean Air Program Manager Mia Ayala-Marshall 

Defenders of Highline Forest Lead Organizer Sandy Hunt 

Tree Action Seattle Chair Sandy Shettler