[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    H.R. 2499, THE SILENT SKIES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANTHONY D. WEINER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 1999

  Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, the Silent Skies Act, which I am introducing 
along with Representatives Crowley, Hyde, Shays and fourteen other 
original cosponsors, is intended to expedite the implementation of the 
next generation of quieter airplane engines.
  So many members have airports in their district and have received the 
same letters from constituents. Every day and every night planes pass 
over your constituents' homes, businesses, and schools. They interrupt 
all aspects of life for those who reside under flight paths. While 
there is little we can do about the every-growing volume of air 
traffic, we can ensure the planes that fly overhead are as quiet as 
technology will allow.
  In 1990, Congress passed the Aviation Noise and Capacity Act, a 
measure that led to the implementation of Stage 3 aircraft and reduced 
noise from airplanes by 50%. By the end of this year, Stage 3 will be 
fully implemented and most of the U.S. commercial fleet will be in 
compliance with these new lower noise levels. While we recognize the 
contributions the airline industry has made in reducing the amount of 
noise coming from their aircraft, the number of flights going in and 
out of major airports continues to increase. Our constituents need 
relief.
  By September 2001, the International Civil Aviation Organization will 
have approved international standards for Stage 4 engines. Our bill 
simply says that our constituents deserve relief, and they deserve it 
as soon as possible. The Silent Skies Act mandates a 10 year timetable, 
beginning in 2002, to phase in Stage 4 engines.
  It is time for the Congress to take the lead again. This bill does 
just that. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation and urge 
my colleagues to support this bill.

                Summary H.R. 2499, the Silent Skies Act

       This bill expedites the implementation of Stage 4-compliant 
     aircraft. In 1990, Congress passed the Aviation Noise and 
     Capacity Act, a measure that led to the development and 
     implementation of Stage 3 aircraft, and reduced aircraft 
     noise by 50%. By the end of this year, Stage 3 will be fully 
     implemented and most of the U.S. commercial fleet will be in 
     compliance with these new lower noise levels. Stage 4 
     represents the next level of noise reduction, and would 
     reduce airplane noise by an estimated 40%.
       This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue 
     regulations establishing minimum standards for Stage 4 noise 
     levels no later than December 31, 2001;
       Directs the phase in of these new standards over a ten year 
     period, beginning in 2002;
       Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report 
     to Congress on the progress being made toward compliance with 
     Stage 4 implementation; and
       Removes the noise level exemption for supersonic civil 
     transport aircraft.

     

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