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West Hollywood Supports Federal Bill Aimed at Curbing Helicopter Noise Pollution
Photo by Elnur via Shutterstock
West Hollywood has formally gone on record in support of a pending federal bill that could force regulation of helicopters flying over residential areas in Los Angeles. The West Hollywood City Council adopted a resolution in support of HR 2677, the Los Angeles Residential Noise Relief Act of 2011, which is sponsored by Representative Howard Berman and co-sponsored by Representatives Brad Sherman and Henry Waxman.
HR 2677 would have the Federal Aviation Administration be charged with setting altitude minimums and flight path restrictions for non-emergency and non-military helicopters that travel in airspace over our residential neighborhoods.
West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Jeffrey Prang made the following statement about the bill and his city's support, per a release issued by the city:
"Cities have been deeply involved in urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to better manage helicopters in dense urban areas. The disturbance to residents are intolerable. Unfortunately, helicopters and other aircraft are under the sole jurisdiction of the federal government, not the city, county, or state. There is no resolution, ordinance, or statute that the City can adopt that would be legal or enforceable."
The bill is in its early stages of the legislative process, and in late July was referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Considering how many scandal-embroiled celebs call WeHo home, and the media blitz that ensues when they get hauled off to jail, it's no wonder the city is looking to get a grip on the noise pollution.
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