U.S. Representative
Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., is working together with Rep. James Oberstar,
D-Minn., Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to
ensure Wyoming’s airports will not be negatively impacted by provisions
contained in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization
bill, H.R. 915, currently before the U.S. House.
The bill includes a provision that could force airports to comply with
unnecessary and excessive National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
standards. This unfunded mandate would impose enormous new costs onto
smaller airports, like those in Wyoming, by dramatically increasing
staffing, training, infrastructure and equipment requirements. The new
standards could also force reduced airline services to Wyoming’s
airports in order to recover increased costs of operation.
“I agree that the FAA should complete an update on standards and commend
Chairman Oberstar for his dedication to improved safety at our
airports,” Lummis said. “However, I am concerned that the provision in
question would unnecessarily create a significant financial burden on
small, rural airports, least capable of absorbing cost increases.”
“At a time when both large and small airports are doing everything they
can to keep their costs low, airports would have no choice but to pass
those operating costs on to the airlines. Increased operating costs
would be particularly devastating to small airports that are struggling
to maintain and attract new commercial air service.”
Rep. Oberstar personally assured Lummis that he would work with her to
encourage a flexible approach to the standards and take into account the
unique needs of small, rural airports.
On May 20, 2009, Lummis joined with Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., in
introducing an amendment to H.R. 915 to provide adequate flexibility to
meet the unique needs of small and mid-size airports. The House Rules
Committee denied its consideration along party lines.
