While the airport doesn’t control aircraft and airlines, the Airport Board is still looking to address those impacts by moving forward with a “Good Traveler” program to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

The program would allow passengers to “offset” greenhouse gas emissions released because of their flights by paying $2 per 1,000 miles of travel. Those funds would go toward projects such as reforestation, waste composting and renewable energy production.

Elwood said what makes the program unique is the carbon reduction efforts can be focused locally, so that the community will see the impact. He anticipates the program will be available for airport customers within a month or so. Also, airport-related business travel will use the Good Traveler offsets.