Targeting the environmental footprint of airports instead of airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration has handed over a $2m grant to officials at San Diego International Airport so they can study how to reduce carbon consumption at the airport. The award is one of 12 environmental projects at 11 airports meted out by the FAA this year.
"We are committed to helping airports around the country make the necessary infrastructure investments that will reduce fuel costs and help protect the environment," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement.
The money will be used to install land-side power units and air units at airport gates, which will allow incoming aircraft to shut down their own power supply and connect to the airport's electronic infrastructure. The FAA reasons that this will reduce airline emissions and diminish the airport's carbon footprint.
