Airports Tackle Emissions
from Environmental Leader
As airlines consider how to meet their carbon-reduction targets, airports have also been exploring ways to reduce their emissions. From buses that run on biofuel to heating systems that rely on wood chips to eco-taxis, a range of European and U.S. airports are making advances. More

Optimistic Algae-based Fuel Industry Asking Hill for a Hand
from Greenwire via The New York Times
There are some signs that the algae-based fuel industry might be ready to bloom. One of the nascent industry's biggest and most well-heeled players, Sapphire Energy, announced last week that it would be producing 1 million gallons of diesel and jet fuel a year by 2011, double its initial estimates. More

Cleaner Planes Equal Cleaner Environment
from KXAS-TV
Southwest Airlines is helping to keep its planes and the environment clean using a system called EcoPower. EcoPower is an engine cleaning service, much like a mobile car wash. Operators go to the airport and clean the plane's engine, while it sits on the tarmac. More

United Web site Lets Fliers Offset Carbon Footprint
from The Chicago Tribune
United Airlines is the latest U.S. carrier to go "green," unveiling a new Web-based tool to help passengers offset the greenhouse gas emissions produced during their flights. Working with two conservation groups, Chicago-based United said it has developed a carbon calculator that determines an airline passenger's carbon footprint based on the United route he or she flies, aircraft used, number of passengers on board and the amount of fuel burned during the flight. More

Solar-powered Airports? It Could Happen
from USA Today
Jet contrails may be adding to global warming but on the ground, many airports are getting very green. During this year's Earth Day celebration, air travelers could get free recycling tips at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's energy fair, free tote bags at Denver International Airport, and free plantable postcards embedded with wildflowers at Boston's Logan Airport. And all during April, aka Earth Month, airports around the country trumpeted their successes with recycling, solid-waste reduction, hybrid vehicle adoption, air quality improvement programs, and other eco-friendly actions. More

Panama City Airport Builder Faces Environmental Fine
from St. Petersburg Times
A contractor building the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport in Panama City, Fla., has repeatedly violated water pollution rules and now is likely to face a fine from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a top DEP official said recently. But the contractor, James Finch of Phoenix Construction, denies causing any pollution problems. More

JFK Airport Neighbors: Wetlands and Birds
from The Associated Press via KOAA-TV
Sprawled along the edge of a giant coastal wetlands area, John F. Kennedy International Airport shares airspace with thousands of birds — many of which wind up as carcasses on the runways after colliding with aircraft. For the aircraft, the results range from minor to serious. Federal Aviation Administration data released Friday say the Queens airport has had the most bird incidents with serious damage this decade. More

Airport to Spend Millions on Solar
from Charlotte Business Journal
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, N.C., plans to spend about $14 million to build a solar farm and other solar projects on airport property. The solar farm, to cost about $13 million, would be built on seven to 10 acres. It will produce only a small percentage of the power Charlotte/Douglas uses. But Airport Director Jerry Orr says the airport could eventually build more capacity on its 6,000 acres. More