Recent from Congressman Himes

In a Nov. 19 letter, U.S Representative Jim Himes writes

"As you may be aware, in June, State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal argued before the U.S District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia that the FAA had not conducted an adequate analysis of the effects of the change in flight patterns on air quality and noise pollution over our district. I was disheartened by the Court's short-sighted decision to side with the FAA."

I was disheartened but not surprised. I'm not a legal professional but I believe the lawsuit is flawed because it does not address the actual harm (including loss of sleep) caused by the FAA. We in the Greenwich area are affected by an increasing number of planes flying lower and lower overhead later and later into the night.

Himes' letter continues:

"On Tuesday, November 17, Attorney General Blumenthal filed a brief with the United States Supreme Court requesting that this decision be overturned. At the core of the Attorney General's argument is Connecticut's 10th Amendment right to seek the elimination of federal policies harmful to its citizens. "
Good point about the 10th, but IMO there hasn't been nearly enough emphasis on the "harm" part.

"I continue to monitor this matter closely, and stand behind the Attorney General's challenge. This flawed and poorly-implemented redesign should not continue to move forward without an adequate analysis of the negative effects it will have on residents of southwestern Connecticut."

The redesign may be moving forward but meanwhile the FAA is causing some area residents to move out... Perhaps that is what some so-called developers want -- cover our entire region with hermetically sealed office-towers. Simply chase residents away since they're powerless anyway.

"As always, if you have comments or concerns you would like to communicate to me regarding the FAA redesign, please email me at himes.noisewatch@mail.house.gov. Thank you for your continued efforts.

sincerely (signature)"
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