Email: On Deregulation

On Deregulation
	Recently, Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) staff prepared an environmental assessment (EA) based on language in FAA Re-Authorization. MAC Environmental Manager, Roy Fuhrmann, reportedly said of the assessment; “…isn’t about the environment; it’s really about options for expanding MSP.”

The EA offers only two scenarios for expanding MSP, one of which is “no action.”

The first alternative is to add gates at the Humphrey Terminal, then move American, United, and other airlines there, then re-model the Lindbergh Terminal for exclusive use of the Delta Airlines hub.

The “no action” alternative is: Add gates at the Humphrey Terminal and re-model the Lindbergh Terminal for more use as the Delta Airlines hub. In this case, "no action" really means don't build more gates at Humphrey after the current capital improvements (which include two additional gates), are completed. Therefore, "no action" actually amounts to more use of MSP, including more use as the Delta Airlines hub.

Either proposal is based on the data of increasing numbers of flights. More flights will logically result in more noise. However, the Noise Oversight Committee has already determined that whichever alternative is chosen, the noise levels will be acceptable because of (projected) less-noisy aircraft and precision navigation systems. Which begs the questions: Would approval of the EA prevent airlines from flying noisier aircraft? Would approval of the EA require MSP and airlines to install, to possess, and use only aircraft equipped with precision navigation components? Will flight path changes made last year (after the near-mid-air collision of September 2010) that inundated Standish-Ericsson and adjacent neighborhoods be continued or revised? None of these concerns is addressed by the EA. Also missing from the report are the actual environmental impacts of more deicing and more taxiing, more high-pressure fuel lines and fueling stations, more runoff, and more vehicular traffic at MSP.

The public should demand more of both FAA and MAC. It is long past time for elected officials to intervene. The South Metro Airport Action Council’s observation that noise and pollution can be reduced and safety increased by simply reducing peak hour rates could be correct, and that alternative should be in any legitimate EA and improvements plan--considering the other alternatives depend upon uncertainties.

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