November 2019 MCQSC Update: Maryland Senators Introduce Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act
The Montgomery County Quiet Skies Coalition is delighted to share the news that Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin has introduced the Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act (S. 2837) that would make it a priority for the National Aeronautics & Space Administration’s (NASA), to boost research into electric aircraft technology. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen and others joined Sen. Cardin in introducing the bill.
Subsequently, the Senate Commerce Committee included language from S. 2837 into the NASA Authorization Act of 2020 (S. 2800) that received committee approval Nov. 13.
“Air travel is important to our way of life and it is a key sector of our economy. But as air traffic volumes increase, so has exposure to noise and air pollution that has an adverse impact on our communities and environment. This has been a problem in Maryland, and it cries out for a long-term solution. We need to harness American ingenuity and find a new way to support our thriving aviation industry while addressing these concerns,” said Sen. Cardin in the press release. “Government-funded research undertaken by NASA in collaboration with industry partners is critical to the development of new technologies and concepts in electric aircraft.”
Sen. Van Hollen also expressed his support for the measure in the same press release:
“For years, I have fought against disruptive flight paths and excessive airplane noise in communities impacted by our region’s airports. While we must continue working with our communities and the FAA to resolve these issues, the development of cleaner, quieter airplanes is an important step towards a sustainable, long-term solution. That’s why I’m pleased to join in the introduction of this legislation. I will continue working to support communities impacted by aircraft noise and the development of permanent solutions for the future.”