ASSEMBLYMEMBER TED LIEU
53RD ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
For Immediate Release: April 24, 2008
Contact: Ashlie Simpson
Phone: (916) 319-2053

Lieu: FAA Again Places Profit Above Safety

(Sacramento, CA) - Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) released the following statement regarding yesterday’s legal actions taken by the FAA to halt the City of Santa Monica from banning fast flying jets from its airport:

“Once again, the Federal Aviation Administration has shown us where its loyalties are.  It is obvious that their main concern is not the safety and protection of the American people, but to cater to the demands of the wealthy elite, whether they are airline companies or those who can afford large private jets.

“In its response to the questions regarding the cease and desist order, the FAA cites that the category of jets banned include popular and high-end models of aircrafts, which CEOs and wealthy people are likely to use.  I don’t buy the argument that we should put an entire area of residences and businesses in jeopardy so that a few rich people can land their planes.

“I would also like to commend the Santa Monica City Council for standing on principle and placing the safety of its citizens above the profit-driven values of the FAA.  It is comforting to know that local leaders are willing to take on the FAA’s misguided policies and regulations.”

Assemblymember Lieu was the author of AB 700 last year, which would have investigated all potential actions that could be taken to mitigate the environmental and health effects of air traffic connected with the Santa Monica Airport.