On January 15, 2021, I testified at the Washington State House of Representatives Environment and Energy Committee on HB 1091, a bill to reduce the carbon emissions of transportation fuel. Here is the testimony I provided on behalf of the Port.
Chair Fitzgibbon, Ranking Member Dye, members of the Committee.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide testimony.
My name is Fred Felleman, I’m the Port of Seattle Commission President and Managing Member co-chair of the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
I’m here to express our strong support for House Bill 1091.
Washington state’s innovative spirit is part of the DNA that has made our maritime, aviation, and technology sectors globally competitive.
Adopting a Clean Fuel Standard in Washington is key to fostering the development of new technologies. It’s not only good for the climate but also for air quality in our communities. It’s also good for our economy, as businesses are increasingly seeking cost-effective ways to reduce their carbon footprint and there are other businesses prepared to provide services to help them meet their goals.
Right now, ports in California share revenue earned under the LCFS with their tenants to incentivize emission reductions. Clean fuels provide a bridge as ports work to replace old diesel trucks and cargo handling equipment with electric alternatives. We should also have that opportunity in Washington.
Additionally, airlines in California are powering jets with sustainable aviation fuel due to the incentives created by their LCFS. The ability of the Port and our aviation partners to continue advancing the implementation of sustainable aviation fuel depends on the adoption of this policy.
As the operator of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, we take the impacts of increasing aviation demand on our communities seriously. Burning clean fuel will significantly reduce some of those impacts.
Right now, Washington exports clean fuels manufactured here and exports the health and economic benefits too.
To conclude, we have no time to waste to address the climate crisis, reduce air quality impacts on communities, and to create new economic opportunities.
Cleaner fuels in jets, trucks, and vessels, along with the electrification of equipment, is the path we need to build back better.
The Legislature’s adoption of a Clean Fuel Standard will be central to our success.
