[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 36 (Wednesday, March 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    UPS: BREAKING THE SOUND BARRIER

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 19, 1997

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to highlight a monumental achievement 
accomplished by one of America's premier deliverers of mail and 
packages, the United Parcel Service [UPS]. As part of a national 
mandate, UPS has become the first major North American airline to fully 
comply with stage 3 aircraft noise reduction regulations, 3 years 
before the federally mandated deadline.
  Indeed, this ambitious and expensive initiative undertaken by UPS 
speaks volumes about the company's commitment to promoting quieter and 
more efficient transport of parcels. Today, all 197 jets in the UPS 
fleet will comply with the stage 3 noise-reduction rule. The number of 
residents in noise-impacted areas will be reduced by 80 percent. 
Clearly, UPS has set a standard that other airlines should strive to 
emulate.
  Using current technology, UPS planes will now utilize 18 percent less 
fuel. Additionally, instead of a 22-square-mile area being affected by 
noise, the area will now be 6.5 miles.
  1997 marks the 50-year anniversary of the historic flight in which 
Capt. Chuck Yeager exceeded the speed of sound. UPS has now broken a 
new sound barrier that will provide long-term benefits for the 
environment, the airline industry, and citizens. Other airlines should 
follow the lead of UPS and achieve early compliance with stage 3 
aircraft noise reduction regulations.

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