A proposed City Council bill in New York City hopes to transition commercial helicopter fleets to electric by 2029, addressing long-standing concerns about noise pollution. The legislation, with 17 sponsors, would require commercial helicopter companies to operate electric aircraft at the city's three public heliports. It defines essential helicopter traffic as military, medical, emergency services, police, or news purposes, while nonessential travel for commuters and tourists would have to be electric. The bill is projected to go to a full Council vote early next year.
Opponents of commercial helicopters in New York City hope 2025 could yield a breakthrough in their yearslong battle against noise pollution through a City Council bill that would require commercial chopper companies to go electric.
“Helicopters are a major contributor to air pollution, which can lead to respiratory illnesses and environmental degradation,” Councilmember Amanda Farias said. “Moving towards electric helicopters aligns with New York City's commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and also just generally around achieving our green economy and climate goals here in the city.”
Blade said it plans to transition to electric helicopters, but took issue with the timeline proposed in the Council bill. Two other major helicopter operators in the city did not respond to inquiries. “Helicopters idling in our skies contribute massively to the noise pollution and air quality concerns that New Yorkers have,” Farias said.New York City’s three public heliports are all in Manhattan — West 30th Street at the Hudson River, and East 34th Street and Pier 6 on the East River. The downtown heliport is authorized for 30,000 tourist flights every year, or more than 80 per day, according to the city’s Economic Development Corporation.
The state’s climate law notes that helicopters are among "the most polluting, carbon-intense modes of transport." The Bell 407 helicopter burns 43 gallons of standard jet fuel per hour, which produces 540 pounds of carbon dioxide hourly, according to its manufacturer. At that rate, a one-way trip from New York City to the Hamptons pumps just over 400 pounds of carbon into the air — about the same weight as two panda bears.
Electric Helicopters Noise Pollution New York City City Council Environment
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
City of Westlake’s compensation for City Council is to be in place through 2029Westlake has put in place new ordinances for 2025 through 2029 for compensation for council members.
Read more »
Spokane City Council member says progressives on council tried to silence conservativesSpokane City Council member Jonathan Bingle said the city's progressive majority tried to pass rule changes that would silence the minority.
Read more »
San Diego City Council to choose next council presidentThe San Diego City Council will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 10, to select their next president. In other news, a mother is suing the City of San Diego after a high-speed chase by police ended in the deaths of her sons. Plus, the Botanical Building in Balboa Park reopened on Dec. 6. Reporter Katie Anastas takes us inside the renovated building.
Read more »
Lamborghini delays first EV launch to 2029 as market not readyLamborghini delays first EV launch to 2029 as market not ready
Read more »
Lamborghini Delays Electric Vehicle Debut to 2029, Citing Market UncertaintyLamborghini has pushed back the launch of its first electric vehicle, the Lanzador, to 2029 from the earlier target of 2028. CEO Stephan Winkelmann attributed the delay to market uncertainty and a belief that the market for electric luxury vehicles won't be ready until 2025 or 2026. The company is also monitoring the European Union's review of internal combustion engine regulations, which could potentially impact its electric vehicle plans. While Lamborghini awaits a more favorable market landscape, it remains open to synthetic fuels as a potential alternative.
Read more »
Analyst Predicts S&P 500 Will Reach 10,000 by 2029An analyst has forecast that the S&P 500 will reach 10,000 by 2029, citing factors like tax cuts, deregulation, and technological advancements. While this projection seems ambitious, it represents a modest annualized return. The analyst also anticipates reaching 6,100 by 2024, 7,000 by 2025, and 8,000 by 2026.
Read more »