Politics & Government

State Senate Passes Helicopter Noise Resolution

SJR 7, introduced by Ted Lieu, urges President Barack Obama and Congress to consider legislation aimed at curbing helicopter noise.

The California Senate voted 26-9 Thursday in favor of a resolution urging President Barack Obama and Congress to adopt the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act, according to a news release from state Sen. Ted Lieu's office.

The pending legislation in Congress would ask the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate helicopter routes, altitudes and hovering practices before reporting back to Congress about possible solutions to noise complaints; however, it would not restrict helicopter operations for emergency responders and the military. The FAA does not currently regulate helicopter traffic in Los Angeles.

Thursday's resolution, which also asks the president and Congress to direct the FAA to solicit feedback from neighborhood groups, helicopter operators and others on helicopter noise and safety issues in the county, was introduced by Lieu in mid-March.

Find out what's happening in Palos Verdeswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Los Angeles County residents who have endured the cacophony of seemingly endless helicopter flights over their homes need relief," Lieu, who counts Redondo Beach as part of his district, said upon introducing Senate Joint Resolution 7. "When one can't sleep or talk because of helicopter noise, it hurts the quality of life."

Rancho Palos Verdes voted at the end of 2011 to support Berman's bill. Palos Verdes Estates and Rolling Hills Estates did the same shortly after.

Find out what's happening in Palos Verdeswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It's unknown whether the city councils will pass a resolution supporting the current federal legislation or Lieu's resolution.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula is south of Torrance Airport, which is home to major helicopter manufacturer Robinson Helicopter, a flight school and numerous private helicopters. Multiple South Bay residents testified at a hearing in June 2012 about helicopter noise in the area.

The California State Assembly will now consider SJR 7. No initial hearing date has been set.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here