The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently allocated about $92 million, part of a total $268 million in grants, to aid efforts assisting airports attain net-zero emissions goals by 2050.
“We need to help airports transition their operations as quickly as possible to renewable power,” FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin said. “Our investments keep us on track for the net-zero goal.”
The FAA funds have been earmarked for 21 airports for solar panels, electric buses, charging stations and electrification studies – investments supporting well paying jobs and local communities.
With regard to energy saving solar power equipment and infrastructure, among the funds allocated is $22.58 million to Indiana’s Indianapolis International Airport in Indiana to build energy efficient infrastructure and install solar panels.
Per authorities, $20 million will go to Arizona’s Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to design and construct solar parking structures.
Amid the electrification concentration, Oregon’s Portland International Airport will receive $16 million to construct zero emissions vehicle infrastructure.
The funding initiative calls for $4.8 million for Nevada’s Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to purchase electric buses and charging stations.
Additionally, as a means of safely eliminating leaded aviation fuels in piston-engine aircraft by the end of 2030, the FAA said Arizona’s Prescott Regional Airport will receive $243,000 to develop a plan to safely transition to unleaded fuel.