WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Rob Menendez (NJ-08) and Jerry Nadler (NY-12), introduced the Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act. This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study helicopter noise within a 15-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and examine potential solutions in diverting helicopters away from residential and recreational areas.
"We cannot ignore the detrimental effects excessive helicopter noise has on our community and the broader New Jersey-New York region," said Congressman Menendez. "Our residents deserve peace of mind at home and in community spaces like Liberty State Park, but for too long, aviation policies governing the region have prioritized nonessential helicopters over the wellbeing of people who live and work in our district. I am proud to introduce this bill with Congressman Nadler to improve the quality of life of our constituents."
"The New York metropolitan area has one of the highest rates of helicopter use in the world, and that number is only getting higher as helicopter usage in the region continues to increase in frequency and severity. Helicopter-related noise complaints to 311 have gone up in New York City by over 2300% in the last five years, and helicopter noise is now one of the top issues I hear about from my constituents," said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. "That's why I am proud to have joined Congressman Menendez in introducing the Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act, which will be critical to understanding helicopter noise in the region and learning how the federal government can deliver relief to our communities and making sure we minimize disruptions to neighborhoods and families.”
The Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act will require the FAA to conduct a comprehensive study on helicopter noise within a 15-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and identify solutions to mitigate noise pollution in the region.
Last year, Congressman Menendez wrote to the FAA and National Park Service to designate the entirety of Liberty State Park (LSP) as an avoidance area for helicopter traffic. Additionally, he introduced the Communities Before Air Tourism Act, which requires the FAA and NPS to consult with communities under air tour routes and take community impact into account when entering into Air Tour Management Voluntary Agreements with helicopter operators. The Congressman has also pushed the FAA to investigate specific incidents of helicopter noise in the district.
Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Rep. Donald Payne (NJ-10), Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), Rep Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), and Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10) also joined the bill as original co-sponsors.
To read the bill text, please click here.
