According to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), the Greener Skies proposal passed its Environmental Assessment on Nov.1.

Greener Skies, part of NextGen flight procedures, promises cuts in CO2 emissions, less fuel use and less flights per day by altering flight patterns (including ascents and descents) and using new computer and satellite communications to more efficiently move planes through airspace in and out of SeaTac Airport and Boeing Field.

During the public outreach phase of the environmental assessment residents of certain Seattle neighborhoods, including those along Alki and near the Duwamish Head, worried new flight patterns might mean more airplane noise overhead. The FAA responded that any increase in noise would be “imperceptible.”

To read more on the proposal, visit the NextGen website.

Here is the full FAA announcement:
“The Federal Aviation Administration has made a final decision on proposed NextGen arrival procedures designed to enhance safety and efficiency around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. After a thorough analysis that met all National Environmental Policy Act requirements, including four public meetings and a public comment period, the FAA determined the Greener Skies project would not create any significant environmental impacts.

The Greener Skies Environmental Assessment (EA) shows that use of the NextGen procedures would result in substantial cuts in annual CO2 emissions around Seattle. On November 1, the FAA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the project. This action will allow properly equipped aircraft to begin flying the new procedures starting in the spring of 2013.

Greener Skies, a NextGen initiative that began in 2009, is a collaboration involving the FAA, Alaska Airlines, the Port of Seattle and the Boeing Company. NextGen is transforming the national airspace to make it even safer and more efficient for the traveling public, airports, operators and the U.S. economy. NextGen initiatives underway in major regions across the country are helping to deliver more on-time flights, reduce fuel burn and ensure that we have the safest aviation system in the world.”