Airplane Noise, Emission Reduction Study Sought By NoVA Representative

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As the representative for the area around Reagan National Airport, one of the most common concern heard by Rep. Don Beyer is airplane noise. On Friday, Beyer is reintroducing the Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act to seek study on reducing airplane noise and emissions.

The legislation asks the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to research reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and noise emissions from aircraft. Beyer (D-Alexandria), who has represented the 8th congressional district since 2015, said climate change and airport noise have been frequent concerns from constituents.

"The Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act would address climate change and reduce noise pollution from aircraft, a problem I have regularly heard about from Northern Virginians for years," said Beyer in a statement. "Americans want cleaner air and quieter skies, and I will be making the case for this legislation to my colleagues in Congress."

Beyer is among the members of the Quiet Skies Caucus in Congress, made up of representatives seeking to find solutions to air and noise pollution. Beyer also meeting Friday with Marie Kennington-Gardiner, the FAA's eastern regional administrator, to discuss reducing airplane noise in Northern Virginia.

Earlier this year, Beyer raised concerns about flight pattern changes at Reagan National Airport causing higher noise levels. In January 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration changed departure route of airplanes from National Airport from the middle of the Potomac River to an area over Virginia. While the impact was lessened during a significant decrease in flights during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact is being felt as more travel returns.