Reps. Meeks, Israel, Meng, McCarthy, Crowley, and Bishop Announce Quiet Skies Caucus to Combat Aircraft Noise

Today, Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (D-Queens), Steve Israel (D-Huntington), Grace Meng (D-Flushing), Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) and Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) announced the creation of a Quiet Skies Caucus in Congress, which will raise awareness on the issue of aircraft noise and work to find meaningful solutions to the problem. The caucus consists of members from across the country whose constituents are adversely affected by incidents of airplane and helicopter noise.

Rep. Meeks said, "Aircraft noise impacts every aspect of our lives. It resonates through our homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Bringing local, state, and federal resources together to counter the significant impact aircraft noise is having on our community is the founding priority of The Silent Skies Caucus. This Caucus will work to dampen the environmental trauma aircraft noise causes. Only through increased awareness in Washington, DC and throughout the country can we take positive steps to improve the livability of our communities."

Rep. Israel said, "Too many of my constituents are dealing with an influx of aircraft noise that is negatively impacting their quality of life. While I've worked on a local level to solve this problem, I'm proud to join with Rep. Meng and colleagues from around the country whose constituents are facing a similar issue to create the Quiet Skies Caucus, which will work to find sensible solutions to this ongoing issue."

Rep. Meng said, "Rep. Meng said, "The blistering sounds of aircraft noise continue to have negative impacts on many residents of Queens. It is imperative that we continue to work on solutions to this problem, and raising it to the national level through this new caucus is a very sensible way to do that. It is critical for Members of Congress to come together on this issue so that we can share information, discuss ideas, and work with all stakeholders to alleviate the problem of airplane noise. I'm pleased to be a founding member of this caucus."

Rep. McCarthy said, "As a resident of Mineola, I, myself, can attest to the continuous noise from commercial airliners. I have heard from my constituents all over my district expressing their concern regarding the number of airplanes that fly over their homes, citing that the volume has increased in recent years. The Quiet Skies Caucus will hopefully find potential mitigation procedures to help alleviate aircraft sound levels. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this important issue."

Rep. Crowley said, "Airports can never be perfect neighbors, but we can take steps to make them better neighbors. I'm proud to be a founding member of the Quiet Skies Caucus, which will give communities and their federal representatives here in New York and around the country an outlet for voicing concerns associated with airplane noise. The Quiet Skies Caucus will also provide a nationwide forum for advancing solutions, such as my Silent Skies Act, which would require airlines to begin stocking their fleets with newer, quieter aircraft. I look forward to working with my fellow caucus members to continue pressuring the Federal Aviation Administration, airport authorities and others to address the concerns of residents who are impacted by aircraft noise."

Rep. Bishop said, "The east end of Long Island is certainly no stranger to aircraft noise, in particular the increased amount of helicopter noise that has impacted daily life for many families. Like many of my colleagues whose districts face this issue, I have met regularly with constituent groups, local government leaders and the FAA to address aircraft noise pollution. However, more work still needs to be done. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the caucus to identify innovative solutions that will serve to address this important quality of life issue."