Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General Will Seek Rehearing In FAA Case; D.C. Circuit Rejects State Fight Against FAA Flight Paths Over Southwestern CT

June 10, 2009

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today announced that he will immediately seek a rehearing after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected his lawsuit to block a new Federal Aviation Administration airspace redesign project that routes more large planes over southwestern Connecticut.

"This decision is dead wrong -- disregarding essential legal issues, and the impact of increased noise and pollution on millions of residents and state parks," Blumenthal said. "I am determined to continue this battle, helping to lead a solid coalition, and will immediately seek a rehearing before the full court, asking it to reverse the three-judge panel.

"The FAA failed to acknowledge, let alone adequately consider, the impact of increased noise on residents and state parks in southwestern Connecticut and four other states when it redesigned its flight paths. This court decision would leave the FAA unchecked and unaccountable for its failure to consider less damaging alternatives.

"Any challenge to a federal agency is an uphill battle, but we are committed to the next step -- seeking a rehearing, and review by the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary."