"As Congress works to address airplane noise, and address the noise pollution that has resulted from FAA's new navigation system, your company can also take steps to alleviate concerns of communities affected by increased airplane noise," the lawmakers wrote in their letters.
The lawmakers noted that several airlines with operations in Boston Logan Airport have voluntarily taken measures to address airplane-related noise problems affecting nearby communities. In October 2018, following a letter the lawmakers sent with other members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, JetBlue announced plans to retrofit its entire Airbus fleet with noise-reducing vortex generators. In their latest letters, the lawmakers asked the airlines to implement similar measures.
"We ask that your company take steps to reduce airplane noise from your fleet and provide information about how your company has worked to mitigate noise-related complaints associated with your airplanes by February 28, 2020," the lawmakers continued.
Congressman Lynch has been working with Senator Warren, Senator Markey and other Congressional colleagues to ensure airplane-related noise problems affecting communities are addressed:
- In November 2016, Congressman Lynch, Senators Warren and Markey, and former Congressman Capuano asked JetBlue to consider the Milton Board of Selectmen's request that the airline retrofit its pre-2014 Airbus A320 series aircraft by installing vortex generators, which are designed to significantly reduce airplane noise. As a result of their letter, JetBlue's decision to retrofit its entire Airbus fleet with noise-reducing vortex generatorsis helping address airplane-related noise problems affecting communities near Logan International Airport and elsewhere.
- In October 2016, Congressman Lynch, Senators Warren and Markey, and former Congressman Capuano sent a letter to the Administrator of the FAA, requesting that the FAA work to increase community participation in the process to address airplane-related noise.
- In July 2016, Congressman Lynch, Senators Warren and Markey, Congresswoman Clark and former Congressman Capuano sent a letter calling on the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the effects of air traffic noise and pollution on human health, highlighting recent significant spikes in the number of noise complaints logged by the Massachusetts Port Authority, as well as airports around the country.
- In April 2016, Senator Warren introduced legislation, the FAA Community Accountability Act, to give local communities a voice in the FAA's decision-making process for flight paths. The bill was originally introduced in the House by Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and cosponsored by Congressman Lynch, Congresswoman Clark, and former Congressman Michael Capuano.