Measure Would Require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to Issue Regulations

January 24, 2012 (Sacramento) – Today Assembly Member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) introduced Assembly Joint Resolution 25 urging Congress to pass the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2011 (H.R. 2677 and S. 2019). If passed, the resolution would signal the California State Legislature’s support of the federal measure.

H.R. 2677, sponsored by Representative Howard Berman and co-sponsored by Representatives Brad Sherman, Henry Waxman and Adam Schiff, and S. 2019, sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein and co-sponsored by Senator Barbara Boxer, would require the FAA to issue regulations relating to helicopter flight paths and altitudes.

"For far too long, residential neighborhoods have had to deal with increasing noise and other burdens from helicopters," said Feuer. "This is a major quality of life issue throughout our region. The California Legislature should urge Congress to act this year."

In October 2011, Feuer released a letter to Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer requesting that the federal act be included in the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization. Feuer was joined in his request by a coalition of 17 members of Los Angeles County’s Delegation in the State Legislature.

Feuer has long been concerned about the noise and other associated impacts of helicopters on neighborhoods. In April 2011, Feuer, joined by Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, sent a strongly worded letter to the California Department of Transportation, which controls permitting of helipads, opposing the issuance of a non-emergency helipad permit for the Los Angeles Sofitel Hotel, which is adjacent to over 1,000 homes in the area.

Assembly Member Feuer's website: http://www.assembly.ca.gov/feuer

Contact: Arianna Smith: 916-319-2042