2019 Energy and Sustainability Special Committee Charter Page 1 of 7
PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION 1
2019 ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL COMMITTEE CHARTER 2
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Proposed April 23, 2019 4
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I. INTRODUCTION 6
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The Port of Seattle’s Century Agenda outlines a strategic objective to become the greenest and 8
most energy efficient port in North America and sets specific greenhouse gas reduction targets. 9
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An Energy and Sustainability Committee was originally chartered by the Port of Seattle 11
Commission on January 26, 2016, to address this strategic objective. On October 24, 2017, the 12
Commission passed a motion supporting the committee’s recommendation to align the Port’s 13
greenhouse gas reduction goals with those of King County and the City of Seattle and 14
instructing Port staff to develop a Sustainability Evaluation Framework to assist the Port in 15
meeting its greenhouse gas reduction and sustainability goals. 16
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Pursuant to the 2017 motion, the Sustainability Evaluation Framework was to be developed 18
over the course of 2018 and tested through a series of pilot projects. The framework will help 19
determine how to incorporate environmental and social considerations and create 20
transparency for the Commission’s review of project proposals. Adoption of the 2017 motion 21
concluded the work outlined in the 2016 Energy and Sustainability Committee Charter. 22
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In 2018, the Committee developed a Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Memorandum of 24
Understanding between the Port of Seattle and the airlines at Sea-Tac Airport, recommended 25
the final Sustainable Aviation Fuels strategic plan to the Commission, proposed state-wide 26
environmental awards that have been incorporated into the Governor’s Maritime Blue 27
outcomes, and launched the Smith Cove Blue Carbon pilot project. 28
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The 2019 Energy and Sustainability Special Committee shall continue to provide information, 30
advice, and recommendations to inform commission policy development in pursuit of the port’s 31
Century Agenda environmental and sustainability goals. The committee shall conduct its work 32
in the context of other Century Agenda goals, the 2017 and 2018 motions, and continue the 33
port’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and social equity and justice. 34
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II. COMPOSITION 36
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The 2019 Energy and Sustainability Special Committee will consist of two Port of Seattle 38
Commissioners appointed by the commission president after consultation with the commission 39
at the beginning of each calendar year in which the committee is active. Non-voting members 40
from within and outside the port may be invited to participate at the discretion of the 41
committee. 42
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Item Number: 7c_attach
Meeting Date: April 23, 2019
2019 Energy and Sustainability Special Committee Charter Page 2 of 7
III. SCOPE OF WORK 44
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The work of the 2019 Energy and Sustainability Special Committee shall include the following: 46
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A. Century Agenda Strategy 4. Review proposed revisions and recommend to the 48
Commission changes, as necessary, to the Port’s Century Agenda Strategy 4: Be the 49
greenest, and most energy efficient port in North America. 50
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B. Sustainability Evaluation Framework Policy Directive. Draft and recommend to the 52
Commission a Port-wide Sustainability Evaluation Framework Policy Directive. The 53
Framework will assist the port in meeting its greenhouse gas reduction and 54
sustainability goals and will be used to better inform commission decision making and 55
public transparency about how project proposals are made that: 56
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1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 58
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2. Increase energy resilience 60
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3. Protect public health and the environment 62
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4. Support local economic development 64
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5. Advance racial and social equity 66
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6. Leverage partnerships 68
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7. Advance innovation 70
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C. Sustainable Aviation Fuel Strategy Development and Implementation: 72
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1. Review and comment on progress and results of the SAF MOU work, as agreed to in 74
the Airline Signatory Lease and Operating Agreement IV (SAF MOU) in 2018. Results 75
of the SAF MOU work may influence or modify the proposed future actions and 76
efforts noted below. 77
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2. Track efforts to establish a regional source of SAF at a commercially competitive rate 79
and ensure a commitment from the airlines that they will use SAF preferentially to 80
meet goals specified in the Commission’s December 19, 2017, motion. 81
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3. Track initiatives to ensure cost-competitiveness for SAF through a variety of 83
methods that are not mutually exclusive, and as stated in the December 19, 2017, 84
motion, include: 85
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2019 Energy and Sustainability Special Committee Charter Page 3 of 7
(a) Work with airlines to support state and federal legislation establishing a cost-87
effective Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) consistent with bills, executive orders, 88
policies, and regulations implemented in the states of California and Oregon and 89
the province of British Columbia; or similar provision that includes options for 90
aviation tax credits as well as tax credits for use of marine and on-road 91
renewable diesel. 92
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(b) Work with airlines to advocate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 94
federal and state legislators, regulatory agencies, industry groups, and other 95
partners for use of airport revenues to offset costs of SAF through their co-96
benefits to human health and the environment. 97
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(c) Work with airlines to advocate to the FAA for new grant programs, or to adjust 99
existing Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) grant programs to support SAF 100
through their co-benefits. 101
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(d) Seek mutual financial investments with the port and its partners including 103
identifying potential uses of the $5 million over 5-year SAF Fund that was 104
established in the 2019 Port of Seattle budget. 105
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4. Develop outcomes and next steps following the Washington SAF Summit. Continue 107
to engage local, state, and federal decision-makers and interested stakeholders 108
along the value chain including but not limited to: farmers, financiers, bio-refiners, 109
logistics operators, as well as other fuel users such as Washington State Ferries, 110
cruise lines, tug boat operators, other harbor craft, truck operators, fishing boats, 111
the United States Coast Guard, and the Department of Defense. 112
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5. Review and recommend to the commission, the Public Affairs strategic 114
communications plan tailored to the commission’s SAF goals that positions the Port 115
of Seattle as a leader in the SAF industry locally, nationally, and internationally. 116
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6. Review and recommend to the commission sustainability certification standards for 118
SAF at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and encourage our airline partners to 119
purchase SAF that meets our shared values. 120
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D. Environmental Cruise Principle Implementation. Review implementation of Motion 122
2019-02 adopted March 12, 2019, supporting principles for the development of the 123
Port’s cruise business and guiding engagement with prospective partners and 124
stakeholders in the operation of existing and potential new cruise facilities. The 125
committee will focus on reviewing implementation of environmental principle number 4 126
of the motion, which reads as follows: 127
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2019 Energy and Sustainability Special Committee Charter Page 4 of 7
(4) Incorporate leading edge environmental stewardship and 129
sustainability practices and facilities that can exceed existing 130
regulations. 131
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(a) Set aggressive goals to minimize greenhouse gas 133
impacts in operation of ships and terminals to support 134
the Port’s goals of reducing carbon by 50 percent by 135
2030 and the carbon-neutral-by-2050 goal. 136
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(b)
Lead the region and the industry to minimize air 138
emissions, ensure water quality and protect our 139
ecosystems, focusing on minimizing air and water 140
discharges at dock and underway. 141
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(c)
Engage with key local stakeholders in support of 143
regional environmental priorities and initiatives, 144
including considering recommendations from the 145
state’s Orca Task Force. 146
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(d) Require use of shore power where feasible by 148
equipped ships and include shore power capabilities at 149
the new berth. 150
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E. Monitor the development of the Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategic Plan. 152
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1. Review and monitor the development of the planning, scope, and schedule of the 154
port’s Waterfront Clean Energy Strategic Plan. 155
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2. Participate in outreach to the Northwest Seaport Alliance, City of Seattle, and 157
others. 158
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3. Provide review, comments, and recommendations with partners on goals, 160
objectives, and principles for the Port’s Waterfront Energy Plan. 161
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4. Review major milestone achievements and provide comments on progress. 163
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F. Develop a proposal for Maritime Innovation and Environmental Awards. 165
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1. Review and recommend to the commission an updated approach to the Port of 167
Seattle’s 2020 and future environmental awards. 168
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2. Support Maritime Blue Maritime Inspiration awards to recognize companies and 170
organizations in Washington that inspire young people through environmental 171
sustainability, technological innovation, and community development. The awards 172
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are proposed to be given annually at the Maritime Blue summit (estimated for April-173
May), in conjunction with local maritime partners. 174
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IV. AUTHORITY 176
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In pursuit of its purposes and scope, the committee is not legally authorized to act on behalf of 178
the Port of Seattle Commission, but is authorized to conduct the following activities: 179
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A. Review and recommend a Sustainable Framework Policy Directive. 181
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B. Monitor and comment on framework pilot projects. 183
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C. Review and comment on progress and results of the SAF MOU work, as agreed to in the 185
Airline Signatory Lease and Operating Agreement IV (SAF MOU) in 2018. 186
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D. Review and recommend a Blue Carbon strategy to the Port of Seattle Commission and 188
monitor progress of the Smith Cove Blue Carbon and habitat pilot project near Terminal 189
91. 190
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E. Review and recommend a Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategic Plan to to deliver 192
clean energy that is reliable, cost effective, and resilient. 193
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F. Review and recommend refinements to the environmental awards program for the Port 195
of Seattle. 196
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G. The committee is authorized to seek public engagement by way of community 198
meetings, workgroups, and testimony as part of regular or special Port of Seattle 199
Commission meetings as deemed necessary, subject to the applicable rules and 200
procedures for calling such public meetings. 201
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H. If the committee determines that to meet its responsibilities it needs the independent 203
services of an outside advisor or consultant, it may propose the retention of such 204
advisor or consultant to the commission for approval. 205
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V. DURATION 207
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The work of the 2019 Energy and Sustainability Special Committee will continue until 209
completion of the outcomes described in its purposes and scope for which the committee is 210
responsible. 211
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VI. RESPONSIBILITY 213
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A. The role of committee chair(s) shall be to: 215
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1. Preside at meetings and serve as committee sponsor(s); 217
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2. Ensure that the committee addresses the purposes described in this charter; and 219
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3. Set committee meeting agendas. 221
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B. The Commission Policy Manager is the committee liaison, and commission specialists 223
will support the work of the committee as assigned. The role of the committee liaison 224
shall be to: 225
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1. Regularly update the commission on the work of the committee in memos, 227
individual briefings, and public session. 228
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2. Support the work of the committee. 230
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3. Help develop, manage, and distribute meeting materials. 232
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4. Provide logistical support including procuring meeting rooms, scheduling, creating 234
meeting records, and providing technical assistance. 235
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C. The Port of Seattle Environment and Sustainability Center of Expertise Senior Director 237
will support the committee as the primary executive staff contact. The role of the 238
executive staff contact shall be to: 239
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1. Support the committee with timely and responsive information. 241
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2. Coordinate with other executive staff in support of the committee’s work; and 243
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3. Serve as a resource for committee deliberation. 245
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VII. MEETINGS 247
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A. The committee will meet at least quarterly and will subsequently report to the 249
commission in public session to provide transparency as to progress made in executing 250
its charter. 251
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B. Workgroups composed of non-commissioner advisors and subject matter experts may 253
be formed by the committee to provide in-depth analysis of issues for the committee 254
and are expected to meet as frequently as needed. Workgroup meetings are not 255
considered official committee meetings for purposes of establishing a quorum or 256
management of records by the commission clerk. 257
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C. A quorum of the committee is required to conduct official committee business. A 259
quorum is defined as the presence of both commissioners assigned to the committee. 260
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D. Meetings of the 2019 Energy and Sustainability Special Committee shall be open to the 262
public when required by applicable law or the bylaws of the Port of Seattle Commission. 263
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E. Agendas will be prepared and made available to the committee and workgroup 265
members in advance of meetings. 266
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F. Agendas for updates to the commission to be presented in public session will be 268
published as part of regular or special commission meeting notices. 269
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G. Minutes will be prepared and retained for all meetings of the committee. 271
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H. Records of committee meetings, including any meeting minutes, shall be provided to 273
the commission clerk for appropriate retention in accordance with applicable law and 274
best practices. 275
