The ongoing battle between the City of Malibu and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over aircraft noise pollution has climbed to new heights as Malibu seeks legal intervention. In its latest move, Malibu has petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Court to review a February 20, 2024, FAA decision regarding the noise impacts of new flight paths out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The contested flight paths—HUULL TWO, IRNMN TWO, and RYDRR TWO—are said to cause significant disturbance to residents, as well as to the habitats and wildlife of the Santa Monica Mountains.
According to a statement from Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring, “Like every community in America, Malibu needs to able to enjoy peace and quiet as an important part of community health and wellness.” The statement obtained by KTLA goes on to highlight the mayor's call to the FAA to cooperate with the city to "protect our quality of life.” Malibu's residents find themselves caught in a fight not just for tranquility, but also for an environment unbent by the feverish din of modern aviation.
The decision made by the FAA in February to exclude these flight paths from further environmental considerations has been a particular point of contention. The City of Malibu argues that this decision neglects the rights of communities to address the environmental impact of aviation-related noise pollution. The city hopes the legal petition will bring to the FAA to the table, prompting a dialogue and leading to the development of flight procedures that will mitigate the noise issues.
For city officials, the issue strikes at the heart of residents’ well-being. A review of the actions and policies of the FAA is seen as a necessary step to safeguard the serenity of Malibu's natural and residential areas. "I urge the FAA to work with Malibu to find solutions so that we can protect our quality of life," Mayor Uhring told the City of Malibu's news release. Details of the petition and the city's previous correspondences with the FAA, such as their September 9, 2023 letter, are available for public viewing on the city's website.
