-Lowey and Hall Advocate No-Fly Zone Over Nuclear Facility-

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) and Congressman John Hall (D-NY19) today secured the commitment of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) to address air security over the Indian Point nuclear facility.

“On September 11, American Airlines Flight 11 flew directly over Indian Point on its way to the World Trade Center, and al Qaeda has expressed a desire to target nuclear facilities,” said Lowey.  “Knowing this, we should be doing all we can to protect residents from any potential terrorist threat.  A no-fly zone around this nuclear facility is essential to fulfilling this responsibility.”

“Indian Point is located within the most densely populated region in the country,” said Hall.  “It is critical that we take every step to secure the plant and protect residents of the area.” 

The commitment of Chairman Oberstar to work with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Homeland Security on a bipartisan basis to address air security in the region was secured through a colloquy on the House floor during consideration of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007.

 

Congresswoman Lowey has introduced legislation with the support of Congressman Hall that would authorize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to designate a no-fly zone in the vicinity of any nuclear power plant within 50 miles of which there reside more than 15 million people – a criterion met by Indian Point. 

 

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