Sec. 2. Findings
230 words·~1 min read·
/bill/118/hr/4678/ih/section-2·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Congress finds the following: Airports generally have diesel generators on site as a backup power source in the event a natural disaster disrupts the primary power source of the airport. Backup diesel generators are subject to potential fuel supply chain disruptions, especially in the event of a natural disaster, which may negatively impact public safety and may severely disrupt the airport’s operating procedures if the backup diesel generators aren’t available during a primary power source disruption event.
Generally speaking, airports store enough diesel fuel on-site to power their backup diesel generators for approximately 72 hours after the primary power source disruption event occurs. Electricity is fundamental to aviation operations and the operation of many essential systems, equipment, technology, and tools of the airport, therefore maintaining a sufficient backup power capacity should be a priority. Back-up power sources, such as diesel generators or microreactors, are critical to an airport’s operational continuity and may drive key airport functions in the event of a primary power source disruption event stemming from a natural disaster, including lights critical to illuminating runways, all electronics within the airport, airplane refueling stations, ticketing, signage, security checkpoints, retail and commercial concessions, and elevators and escalators.
Microreactors have the inherent benefit of avoiding diesel-related supply chain constraints, and have the potential to provide consistent, reliable, and clean electricity to power the airport during a primary power source disruption event.