PORTLAND, Oregón (KOIN) — With the Portland International Airport expanding
in the last couple of years, officials hope an influx of federal funds will
help the airport lower its carbon emissions.
According to a press release, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and
Jeff Merkley, along with Congressman Earl Blumenauer announced that PDX will be
awarded $18.4M from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for advances to heating
and cooling systems.
They say the improvements will “dramatically” lower energy
demand by 83%.
“El aeropuerto de Portland ha crecido tanto en los últimos
years—in size, overall use and in sustainability practices,” Wyden said. ”The
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I am proud to have supported makes this essential
investment in the infrastructure at the airport for more effective heating and
cooling in line with urgent nationwide goals to tackle the climate crisis
head-on by lowering carbon emissions.”
The airport will use the millions to install a new heat
pump, replace old chillers and boilers that up to 50 years old, added the
announcement. According to officials, the project’s goal is to be zero carbon
emissions by 2050.
“Major investments in efficient, cost-saving, and climate
friendly improvements at PDX is win-win for Portland and the State of Oregon,”
Merkley said. “Transitioning to clean heat pumps isn’t just good for our
present, it’s good for our future by getting us closer to zero carbon emissions
by 2050. This is the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work.”
Blumenauer said Portland has been a leader in sustainable
infrastructure and how the city’s airport and an “important” reflection of this
legacy.
“I was proud to lead the Oregon delegation in securing $18.4
million dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to
increase the efficacy, sustainability and resilience of our airport,” said
Blumenauer. “This historic investment is not just good for our community, but
our climate.”
As for PDX, the airport says it appreciates the Oregon
Congressional Delegation’s support of this grant.
“We remain firmly committed to a low-carbon future,” said
Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold. “The federal funds for
this new system – which will improve the energy efficiency of PDX and
significantly reduce the environmental impact of our new upgraded airport –
will help us fully achieve our vision of a more sustainable and equitable PDX.”
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