Congressman Neguse Passes Amendment Through the House to Highlight Local Aircraft Noise Pollution Concerns
The amendment is in response to constituent concerns throughout the 2nd District of increased noise pollution due to the Denver Metroplex
Washington D.C.—On Friday, Congressman Joe Neguse passed an amendment through the U.S. House of Representatives along with H.R. 7617, the Appropriations Minibus to ensure robust funding for noise mitigation research and development programs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Congressman Neguse introduced the amendment specifically to highlight the importance of investments in noise mitigation research and technologies, after hearing from constituents across the 2nd district over the last year who are concerned with increased aircraft traffic and the resulting noise pollution. Congressman Neguse has sent several letters to the FAA since taking office to raise these concerns, requesting an extension on the environmental review comment period, asking for a community session to be held in Gilpin County and calling attention to the need for additional noise modeling.
“Increased noise pollution caused by aircrafts is a concern of many of the residents in my district. We’ve engaged with the community on this issue over the last year in many ways and continue to search for solutions at the federal level to ensure community concerns are heard, proper noise modeling is exercised and local airports are given the flexibility and authority necessary to make decisions that work for their communities,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “My amendment which passed the House today would provide needed investments for the FAA to prioritize noise mitigation studies and research.”
In December of last year, Congressman Joe Neguse introduced the Aircraft Noise Reduction Act, legislation to provide additional local control for General Aviation airports, such as Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Boulder Municipal Airport and Northern Colorado Regional Airport to impose restrictions relating to noise concerns. The bill was the result of considerable collaboration with local community leaders across the 2nd district and constituents concerned about noise pollution. Under the bill, local airports would have increased authority to limit the number and type of aircrafts that can operate, and set curfews or specific hours for them to fly.