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The Port of Seattle Commission has voted to establish an Energy and Sustainability Policy Committee that will act to develop and propose new environmental initiatives across the organization.

In a statement, Commission President John Creighton, said: "The Port of Seattle has a long history of environmental stewardship in our region. By creating this committee, we are able to concentrate efforts more strategically to promote green energy uses and reduce greenhouse gasses across all our lines of business."

The motion was based on the recent Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris, where 195 countries reached a landmark climate accord that will commit nearly every country to lower planet-warming greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

"Having championed this initiative, I look forward to working with our regional stakeholders to promote environmentally responsible growth at the Airport and Seaport," said Commissioner Fred Felleman.

"As a leader in international trade with a commitment to environmental stewardship, the Port of Seattle is uniquely positioned to support international agreements and take actions to reduce GHG emissions," the Port of Seattle said.

The Port of Seattle has already implemented a number of initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including adoption of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, which has a goal to reduce GHG emissions by 20 percent per ton of cargo moved through the Seaport by 2020.

At the Airport, the port requires an all-green taxi fleet, electric ground support equipment, and provides preconditioned air to reduce airplane idling at the terminal. It is also working to evaluate the ability to provide biofuels for airlines and has joined the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) commitment to improve air transport fuel efficiency and achieve carbon neutral growth from 2020.