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Quigley Presses FAA Administrator Huerta on Changing Outdated Noise Metric

April 3, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) questioned Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta about the agency's progress on updating the 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) metric used to measure noise effects on individuals due to aviation activities.

"The measure the FAA uses to determine acceptable noise levels is outdated and out of touch with the discomfort residents face," said Rep. Quigley. "Changing the DNL metric is a critical step to balance a modern O'Hare with vibrant, livable neighborhoods and bring relief to residents experiencing noise pollution from O'Hare."

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PHOTO: Rep. Quigley questions FAA Administrator Huerta in an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing

Rep. Quigley, along with Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) also met privately with Administrator Huerta. This meeting followed a letter Reps. Quigley and Schakowsky sent to Administrator Huerta in October 2013 requesting the agency revisit the 65 DNL metric. All parties look forward to working together to find a comprehensive solution to the noise pollution problem.

O'Hare became a part of Illinois' 5th Congressional District in January 2013. Since then, Rep. Quigley has met continuously with neighborhood organizations and aviation officials to discuss solutions to the noise concerns and was able to have a temporary noise monitor placed at North Park Village. Rep. Quigley serves on the House Committee on Appropriations, where he has made Chicago-area infrastructure investment a top priority as a member of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD).

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