Bill Lee: “I want to comment very briefly on the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act, which provides long-term stability for our…”

“I want to comment very briefly on the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act, which provides long-term stability for our Nation's aviation community and critical investments in U.S. airports. I have many, many issues in my district that this bill, hopefully, will address. Airplane noise is an issue that directly affects my constituents in the East Bay. I have convened meetings with Federal and local stakeholders to come up with a regional solution to airport noise in the bay area. This bill will help us make progress to address noise pollution and ensure that my constituents can live under quiet skies. It would establish a pilot program for the Department of Transportation to give grants of up to $2.5 million to six airports for noise mitigation projects. That is so important. Also, I am pleased to see that the bill includes language that would require the FAA to partner with higher education institutions to assess the health effects of white noise. While these changes may not reduce airplane noise immediately, we are moving in the right direction. I look forward to working with the FAA to ensure my constituents affected by airplane noise are addressed in a timely fashion. This legislation is critical legislation to help support America's innovation in aviation technology and will ensure quieter skies for all. ____________________”