On November 26, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead in Seattle ruled that Alaska Air Group and Delta Air Lines must confront a lawsuit accusing them of contributing to toxic pollution around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The class-action lawsuit, originally filed in April 2023 by local residents within a five-mile radius of the airport, alleges that emissions from the airlines' aircraft operations have led to a deadly mixture of pollutants affecting the health of the community.
.gif)
The lawsuit contends that the pollution, which includes carbon monoxide, lead, and particulate matter, has caused a significant increase in cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses among residents. It also accuses the Port of Seattle, which manages the airport, of negligence alongside the airlines. Despite attempts by Alaska and Delta to dismiss the case, claiming federal law preempts state-law claims, Judge Whitehead determined that these state-law claims could proceed. The legal action seeks to establish a fund for medical monitoring to screen for diseases potentially linked to the pollution. The plaintiffs also ask for compensation to clean up their properties. The lawsuit highlights a "contamination zone" where the majority of residents are from minority communities, suggesting an environmental justice issue.
This decision marks a significant moment for environmental litigation against major airlines, potentially setting a precedent for how airlines are held accountable for their environmental impact. The airlines argued that their operations are regulated by federal aviation and environmental protection laws, but this ruling implies that local impacts can still be addressed under state law.
Steve Berman, a lawyer for the plaintiffs from Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro, described the ruling as a "first step toward environmental justice" for the affected communities. The case, known as Codoni v. Port of Seattle, will now move forward, with the defendants potentially facing significant financial and operational repercussions. The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond the immediate parties involved, potentially influencing how airports and airlines across the U.S. manage their environmental footprint. This could lead to stricter local regulations or increased corporate responsibility towards mitigating pollution from aviation activities.