Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) and Rob Menendez (NJ-08) introduced the Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act. This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to study helicopter noise within a 15-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and examine potential solutions for diverting helicopters away from residential and recreational areas.

"The New York metropolitan area has one of the highest rates of helicopter use in the world, and that number is only getting higher as helicopter usage in the region continues to increase in frequency and severity. Helicopter-related noise complaints to 311 have gone up in New York City by over 2300% in the last five years, and helicopter noise is now one of the top issues I hear about from my constituents," said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. "That's why I am proud to have joined Congressman Menendez in introducing the Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act, which will be critical to understanding helicopter noise in the region and learning how the federal government can deliver relief to our communities and making sure we minimize disruptions to neighborhoods and families.”

"We cannot ignore the detrimental effects excessive helicopter noise has on our community and the broader New Jersey-New York region," said Congressman Menendez. "Our residents deserve peace of mind at home and in community spaces like Liberty State Park, but for too long, aviation policies governing the region have prioritized nonessential helicopters over the wellbeing of people who live and work in our district. I am proud to introduce this bill with Congressman Nadler to improve the quality of life of our constituents."

The Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act will require the FAA to conduct a comprehensive study on helicopter noise within a 15-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and identify solutions to mitigate noise pollution in the region.

The introduction of the Protecting Communities from Helicopter Noise Act is the latest in a long series of actions that Congressman Nadler has taken to address helicopter noise and safety concerns for New Yorkers. Last year, Congressman Nadler wrote to the FAA and National Park Service expressing concerns about. the impact of loose and insufficient commercial air tour regulations and non-essential helicopter flights on quality of life on the New York and New Jersey waterfront. Congressman Nadler also led a letter to New York Governor Hochul and New York City Mayor Adams calling for the end of non-essential helicopter flights from New York City heliports, wrote to the FAA urging the Administrator to ban all non-essential helicopter flights, and introduced the Safe and Quiet Skies Act to regulate commercial air tours. 

Representatives Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Donald Payne (NJ-10), Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), and Dan Goldman (NY-10) also joined the bill as original co-sponsors.

To read the bill text, please click here.