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EPA STATEMENT REGARDING FAA LOGAN RULING

Release Date: 01/21/2000
Contact Information: Betsy Higgins, Office of External Programs (617-918-1051)

I applaud Administrator Jane Garvey for her decision to require a draft supplemental environmental impact statement for the new runway at Logan. Her decision is responsible and sound from a legal standpoint, but more importantly, it is fair and just to the communities surrounding Logan Airport. For too long, they have borne more than their share of noise, air pollution and traffic impacts from Logan's operations - impacts that Massport has not adequately acknowledged or mitigated.

With today's decision, Administrator Garvey has put on track an environmental review process that was badly off course. The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is the proper forum for addressing whether and how a new runway can be built without unfair burdens on the communities, for truly embracing the principles of environmental justice, and for fulfilling the public's right to meaningfully participate in the decisions about Logan's future. My staff and I look forward to working with FAA, Massport and the communities throughout this important process.