Public commenters urge attention to private jets, health harms and rail alternatives

Several members of the public used the allotted two minutes to press the work group on complementary issues that should inform its recommendations. JJ (Olympia) urged the COG to address the "supply" side of aviation demand, asserting private-jet owners "are using up a notable amount of our air traffic control and create quite a lot of congestion" and asking the group to consider fees or policies that shift costs away from the public.

Janet Witt and Rhonda Larson Kramer urged the group to consider community opposition and environmental impacts (flight paths over neighborhoods and schools), and to evaluate alternatives to aviation capacity such as improved regional rail. Dr. Breck Labbeg, speaking for a physician group, warned that aviation emissions contribute to premature births and other health harms and urged limits on flight expansion and investment in regional trains. The chair noted these themes and said the group listens; members directed staff and consultants to ensure health, equity and modal alternatives are reflected in committee work and the annual report.