Date Approved

2026

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

Technology and Professional Services Management

First Advisor

Kenneth Szymanski, AAE

Second Advisor

Jason Vosburgh, MBA

Third Advisor

Paul Majeske, Ph.D.

Abstract

Airports in the United States operate within a very complicated regulatory environment that is shaped by federal aviation policy, environmental and state laws, and promises made to the federal government through sponsor assurances, also known as grant assurances. As environmental concerns surrounding aviation continuously grow, airports have been increasingly implementing sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. Implementing these initiatives is often influenced by regulatory frameworks governing airport operations and infrastructure development. The goal is to examine how federal regulatory structures influence sustainability initiatives at U.S. airports by using a qualitative case study approach to examine sustainability programs at three large hub airports, and a small hub airport for comparative context. Evaluations will be made on how regulatory requirements such as FAA grant assurances, environmental review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and federal infrastructure funding programs affect airport planning and environmental initiatives. This will provide insight into the relationship between aviation governance and airport sustainability by offering policy considerations for improving regulatory alignment that also support environmental initiatives across the aviation industry.

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