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Two lawsuits have been filed against the Port of Oakland, which operates the San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK). These legal actions challenge the airport's expansion plans aimed at modernizing its existing terminal. Parts of this terminal have been in place for over six decades.
The Stop OAK Expansion Coalition has filed one of the lawsuits. The coalition argues that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) released by Oakland International Airport does not meet California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) standards. Although the EIR included a health risk assessment, the coalition is advocating for a more comprehensive health impact assessment to address inequalities affecting East Oakland's low-income neighborhoods. Paul English, a member of the coalition and former epidemiologist with the California Department of Public Health, highlighted concerns about increased pollution from expanded airport operations. He stated, "By doing additional gates and increased airport traffic, these communities will be getting additional pollution in an area already overburdened by pollution."
In response to ABC 7 News regarding the lawsuit, the Port of Oakland stated, "The EIR is a product of years of careful study, community outreach and careful deliberation."
