June 18, 2008

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement On The DOT/FAA Plan To Implement Congestion Pricing And Auctions To Reduce Flight Congestion

(WASHINGTON, DC) Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) of the Sixth Congressional District issued the following statement:

“At a time when all major airlines are struggling financially due to the sky rocketing price of jet fuel that has already led to significant capacity cuts and flight reductions, it is unconscionable that the Department of Transportation (DOT) would continue to pursue a policy of auctioning airline slots and implementing congestion pricing.

“I support a fair, market-based proposal that would ease the burden of increasing prices for consumers, provide choices for customers, and continue to provide service to small cities that otherwise have no flights to New York City. This overreaching approach by DOT represents governmental micromanagement and interference in market forces at a critical time for the airline industry which is trying to survive arguably the worst economic environment in the industry’s history. The DOT’s proposal exceeds its authority to ensure safe and efficient utilization of the world’s busiest airspace.

“That is why the Port Authority, airlines, elected officials and scores of community and business groups in New York oppose this proposal. I am proud to sponsor, along with Senator Charles E. Schumer, legislation that would prevent DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from conducting auctions, implementing congestion pricing, limiting airport operations or charging certain use fees at airports."

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