Issue Position: O'Hare Noise Pollution

Issue Position

Noise pollution surrounding Chicago O'Hare International Airport has become a concern within our communities. As the O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP) continues, older diagonal runways are decommissioned and new runways open many residents may experience even more noise pollution. While my colleagues in the House of Representatives and I are working on the quality of life issues for residents who are affected by this, there are greater measures we can take together to continue and progress.

Since the original Environmental Impact Study was conducted, new noise patterns have emerged as a result of the implementation of the OMP. I have called upon the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to re-evaluate its environmental study so that this new noise data can be incorporated. In addition, the FAA's current metric for evaluating aviation noise exposure -- Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) -- is antiquated. The FAA must lower the current threshold from 65 to 55 DNL to reflect additional noise variables, such as the frequency of flights, evening air traffic, and exposure to constant excessive noise. If updated, more residents would be able to qualify for the Residential Sound Insulation Program that can help limit noise pollution making it into their homes.

Taking into consideration the range of issues experienced by my constituents, I joined the Quiet Skies Caucus. This caucus brings together Members of Congress from areas facing similar problems in an effort to bring relief from airport noise nationwide. Most recently, the Quiet Skies Caucus sent a letter to the House Transportation Committee asking them to carefully look at aircraft noise pollution nationwide.

The modernization project is an important step in maintaining O'Hare's standing as a major transportation hub. However, the noise pollution has disrupted the overall quality of life for numerous constituents. I will continue to work on finding solutions to the problem.

Actions I've Taken

I called upon the FAA and Chicago Department of Aviation to hold new public hearings and inform constituents of the most current plans and data available.

Reps. Schakowsky, Quigley and I also sent a letter to the Chicago Department of Aviation asking to revise the complaint process to make it easier on our residents.

I asked the FAA to re-examine its environmental impact study of the O'Hare modernization project along with Reps. Schakowsky and Quigley.

Together with Reps. Schakowsky and Quigley, I pushed for the FAA to revisit the current 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL). While the system measures noise effects on individuals due to aviation activities, it is outdated. Once improved, more constituents can qualify for the O'Hare Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP), aiding to reduce the impact of aircraft noise in homes.

I met with members of the FAiR Coalition who are actively raising awareness of the issues facing residents in Chicago and the NW suburbs.

I co-sponsored the Silent Skies Act last Congress, which requires airlines to expedite the development of technologies to reduce airplane noise in their existing fleets.

I am a member of the House of Representatives' Quiet Skies Caucus.

I supported the Elgin-O'Hare Western Access project so that residents of the 8th District can benefit from accessing the airport closer to their homes and communities.

I supported the recent efforts of the Illinois General Assembly and the City of Chicago to keep the diagonal runways open.

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