The FAA has announced $17 million in grants to eight airports to purchase equipment that will allow airlines to tap into central heating and cooling systems for power while at the gate, enabling them to shut of auxiliary power systems running on jet fuel.
Central air systems are considered a cleaner, more efficient use of energy. This is part of the FAA’s Voluntary Airport Low Emission – VALE, program, funded through the $3.35 billion (that’s annual funding) Airport Improvement Program – AIP.
The program was created in 2004 to help airports comply with the Clean Air Act, and through it airport sponsors can use AIP funds to acquire low-emission vehicles, refueling and recharging stations, gate electrification, and other airport air quality improvements.
According to the FAA, it has funded 56 VALE projects since 2005 at 33 airports costing $161 million – including $129 million in federal grants and $32 million in local airport matching funds.
