Congressman Sherman Working to Reduce Airport Noise

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Washington DC – Congressman Brad Sherman (D – Sherman Oaks, CA) has continually worked to reduce airport noise in the San Fernando Valley since going to Congress in 1997.

“Since going to Congress, I have worked to reduce noise for those living near Bob Hope Airport and Van Nuys Airport,” said Sherman. “Noise restrictions at the airports have helped improve the quality of life for many Valley residents, but more is needed to balance the needs of the community with those of the airport, particularly during evening hours.”

Read Congressman Sherman’s Full Statement on Airport Noise Reduction:

Valley-Wide Noise Relief Act

In response to a failed effort by the FAA to approve an application for a curfew at Bob Hope Airport in 2009, I joined my colleagues earlier this year in introducing legislation – the Valley-Wide Noise Relief Act of 2011 – to allow the operators of both Bob Hope Airport and Van Nuys Airport to implement a mandatory nighttime curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Valley residents living under the flight path and near Bob Hope and Van Nuys Airports should be able to enjoy a restful night without the roar of jet engines waking them up in the middle of the night. I am committed to achieving a solution that ultimately reduces or eliminates nighttime noise within the communities that have fought for relief for decades. This legislation will help balance the needs of aviation and those residents seeking peace and quiet in their communities.

Reducing Helicopter Noise

Currently, there are no official flight paths or standards for commercial helicopter operators, particularly news helicopters that hover low over Valley neighborhoods.

Due to growing concerns over helicopter noise and safety, I co-sponsored the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2011 to restrict helicopter flight paths and set minimum altitudes for helicopter operators in residential areas in Los Angeles County. Exemptions would be allowed for law enforcement, emergency responders and the military.

Reducing Noise Impacts at Bob Hope Airport

There is no reason that those who live near the Bob Hope Airport should have to endure uncomfortable noise levels when remedies exist. That is why I support efforts to impose a curfew on nighttime flights at Bob Hope Airport, and to fund and expand residential soundproofing.

Over the years, the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a total of $85.6 million in federal funds to insulate local schools and homes to reduce the impact of jet noise, including 1,800 homes in the communities within the flight path of the Bob Hope Airport.

The Residential Acoustical Treatment Program at Bob Hope Airport is free to property owners in designated areas around the airport who are greatly impacted by airport noise, and it includes door and window replacement, attic insulation, weather stripping, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. While these measures have helped many, I support efforts to expand the designated area to include other homes affected by the noise. I will work to ensure that additional federal funds are allocated to this important program.

Reducing Noise at Van Nuys Airport

Since coming to Congress, I have taken strong positions in support of a ban of the noisiest aircraft at Van Nuys Airport in order to reduce noise over the most impacted communities in the San Fernando Valley, including Lake Balboa, Encino and Sherman Oaks. Last year, the Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance to phase out the noisiest jets at Van Nuys Airport by 2016. As a longtime advocate of aggressive noise control measures, I encouraged the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners and the Los Angeles City Council to implement the noise ordinance.

Important measures have been instituted over the last few years to help reduce airport noise at Van Nuys Airport. These include a 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew on takeoffs from Van Nuys Airport for the noisiest jets, and a non-addition rule that prohibits additional Stage 2 jets from being based at Van Nuys Airport. I supported these noise control efforts, and will continue to support additional efforts to reduce airport noise.

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