Reps. Neguse, Pettersen Urge Swift Action on Aviation Issues

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) penned a letter to the FAA and Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) urging action on aircraft noise.

Coloradans living near the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) continue to suffer from undue noise pollution. Repeatedly, Congressman Neguse has called on the FAA and RMMA to address these complaints and to find a solution. In this letter, the representatives urged the RMMA and FAA to pursue an Airport Noise Compatibility Planning agreement, which would allow the FAA and the RMMA to work together to decrease aircraft noise. 

The representatives wrote,“While we understand the limitations of FAA grant assurances, Part 150 would allow RMMA to undergo a voluntary partnership with the FAA to develop plans to mitigate noise and comply with FAA regulations, without compromising safety. Part 150 also requires community input, something our constituents have been asking of RMMA for years. In just the last two years, flight operations at RMMA have increased by 40%. Without a more tangible solution, our communities will continue to suffer.”

“We implore the FAA and RMMA to undergo a Part 150 agreement to find more effective ways of mitigating noise pollution, particularly during sensitive hours. Three general aviation airports in Colorado are already under a Part 150 agreement, and it is past time that RMMA pursues one.”

Read the full letter HERE. 

“For too long, folks in Boulder and Broomfield County have suffered from excessive undue noise pollution while also worrying about the consequences of leaded fuel on their health and well-being. With these letters, we are taking another step towards finding a solution,” said Congressman Neguse. “Both letters reflect our many conversations with Coloradans and community leaders, and together, we will keep working to address these challenges.”

“With flight activity continually increasing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, our communities are bearing the brunt of noise pollution,” said Rep. Pettersen. “Earlier this year, I passed an important provision to ensure Coloradans can directly communicate with the FAA about the challenges their communities face when it comes to aircraft noise. Now I’m proud to join forces with Congressman Neguse in urging RMMA and the FAA to work together to reduce noise and improve quality of life in our area.”

Background

Since taking office in 2019, Congressman Neguse has led many efforts to reduce noise pollution in his district. In 2019, he wrote a letter to the director of RMMA urging immediate action to reduce noise pollution. Over the years, the Congressman has put forth legislation, led letters, and held a town hall to tackle this challenge. He has urged the FAA to send a representative to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport’s Community Noise Roundtable meetings to ensure the FAA understands the gravity of this issue. 

Most recently, as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, the U.S. House passed Congressman Neguse’s amendment to increase community input on aviation issues by requiring the Community Collaboration Program to directly interview impacted residents.

###