Rep. Ruben Gallego Calls on Congress to Address Aircraft Noise
Washington, DC – The FAA’s decision in 2014 to implement new flight paths for aircraft departing from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport had a severe impact on the quality of life for many Phoenix residents.
On Tuesday, Rep. Ruben Gallego called on Congress in a floor speech to act to compel the FAA to consider steps to mitigate aircraft noise-related concerns.
Language in the 2016 omnibus spending bill requires the FAA to develop a plan to address the concerns of communities exposed to high levels of aviation noise. The FAA has thus far failed to comply with that requirement.
In his remarks on the House floor, Congressman Gallego called on the FAA to take the necessary action. As the Congress considers the FAA reauthorization bill, he is committed to continuing to find ways through that legislation to ensure the FAA does right by the people of Phoenix.
Excerpts of Rep. Gallego’s remarks are below. The full speech can be found here.
“Civic leaders, business owners, and families in Phoenix have been ignored for too long. The flight paths over our city must change and so must the course of an agency which, for too long, has disrespected Congress and disregarded the needs of my constituents.
“Now is the time to pass legislation to ensure that local communities have a seat at the table when new flight paths are plotted. And let’s give local residents the ability to appeal routes that are undermining their quality of life.
“Mr. Speaker, on the issue of aircraft noise, the people of Phoenix are speaking loudly and they deserve to be heard.”
Rep. Gallego is a member of the Quiet Skies Caucus.