Class-action lawsuit against Port of Seattle and airlines advances in federal court
A class-action lawsuit against the Port of Seattle and airlines is moving forward in federal court after a judge denied motions to dismiss it last week. The lawsuit, filed in 2022 on behalf of residents living near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), accuses the Port of Seattle, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines of negligence, battery, trespass, and public nuisance within a five-mile radius of the airport.
U.S. District Court Judge Jamal White rejected arguments from the defendants seeking to dismiss the case, allowing the plaintiffs to proceed. The court’s decision on Nov. 25 was a significant step forward for residents seeking accountability for the environmental impact of aircraft pollution in their communities.
Residents within the alleged contamination zone claim that aircraft emissions have led to high levels of toxins in the area, causing property damage and severe health risks. The risks include asthma, COPD, heart disease, and cancer, with reports indicating higher rates of premature births, low birth weights, and shortened life expectancy among residents near the airport.
The lawsuit also highlights the disparate impact on low-income and minority communities. Plaintiffs argue that if the affected communities were wealthy and politically powerful, such as Mercer Island or Medina, the defendants’ actions would not be tolerated. More than 30% of residents in the contamination zone live below 200% of the federal poverty level, according to the complaint.
The Port of Seattle and airline defendants contend that federal regulations preempt the claims, shielding them from liability. But Judge White found that plaintiffs’ state-law claims were distinct and not inherently preempted by federal statutes, indicating that further analysis would be required to determine federal preemption.
Years of advocacy and warnings about the health and environmental impacts of Sea-Tac’s operations have culminated in legal action. Community leaders are now urging residents to comment on the Port’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), which outlines future airport expansion.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have broad implications for communities nationwide dealing with the environmental and health effects of major airports. If successful, the case could lead to significant damages and stricter environmental practices for the Port and airlines involved. Residents are encouraged to participate in the public comment process on the SAMP to ensure their voices are heard.
