HB1791 assigns the Commercial Aviation Work Group to evaluate Washington’s future commercial aviation needs, explores alternatives to boosting aviation capacity, investigates aviation facility expansion and site options, involves stakeholders, and addresses environmental and military concerns. It gives annual progress reports to the Governor and the Legislature’s Transportation Committees.
The Washington State House of Representatives passed HB1791 on April 12, 2023 by a vote of 91 to 6. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this could lead to excessive government intervention in the aviation industry. With consideration of environmental concerns, it may be seen as prioritizing these factors over economic interests. It is hard not to correlate the United Nations’ goal for air travel within the framework of Agenda 2030 is to make it more sustainable and reduce its environmental impact. This includes efforts to decrease carbon emissions, promote energy-efficient aviation, and encourage responsible travel practices to align with broader sustainability and development goals.