INTRODUCED BY: Representatives Franks, Frelinghuysen, and Roukema (February 8, 1999)

REFERRED TO: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

SUBJECT: To direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a test to determine the costs and benefits of requiring jet-propelled aircraft taking off from Newark International Airport, New Jersey, to conduct ascents over the ocean, and for other purposes.

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a test to determine the costs and benefits of requiring jet-propelled aircraft taking off from Newark International Airport, New Jersey, to conduct ascents over the ocean, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. TEST OF AIRCRAFT OCEAN ROUTING. In order to examine an option for reducing aircraft noise over communities in New Jersey, the Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a 6-month live test to determine the costs and benefits of requiring jet-propelled aircraft to conduct ascents after taking off from Newark International Airport, New Jersey, over the ocean. The Secretary shall commence such test not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

SECTION 2. REPORT. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the test conducted under section 1. The report shall include an analysis of the effects on noise reduction of ocean routing of aircraft taking off from Newark International Airport and any recommendations and comments of the Secretary concerning ocean routing of air carrier aircraft taking off from Newark International Airport.