Air Force proposal would have allowed pilots to fly as low as 100 feet above major recreational areas in Pennsylvania
Casey and Fetterman pushed for years to protect the PA Wilds
The 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region contains the greatest concentration of public lands in PA and account for $1.8 billion in tourism
Casey: “I will always fight to preserve the PA Wilds and the rest of the natural resources that make our Commonwealth so beautiful”
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman (D-PA) announced that the Air Force and National Guard Bureau has rescinded their proposal to create a low-flying training zone Duke Military Operating Area (MOA), which would allow pilots to fly as low as 100 feet above ground level. After hearing concerns from North Central Pennsylvania organizations and residents about the possible dangers this plan would pose to the Pennsylvania Wilds region’s economy, environment, and quality of life, Casey and Fetterman have repeatedly pushed the Air Force to abandon the plan.
“From the moment the Air Force’s proposal was announced, I’ve been deeply concerned about how low, loud, and frequent flights could disrupt livelihoods in a tranquil region that has built its identity on outdoor recreation,” said Senator Casey (D-PA). “After years of pushing the Air Force to abandon this plan, I’m glad that they are respecting the wishes of the people of North Central Pennsylvania. I will always fight to preserve the PA Wilds and the rest of the natural resources that make our Commonwealth so beautiful.”
“This decision is a huge win not just for the beloved natural resources in the Pennsylvania Wilds, but also for the many Pennsylvanians who call this region home,” said Senator Fetterman (D-PA). “I’m proud to have fought and delivered for these too often forgotten North Central Pennsylvania communities alongside Senator Casey. I’m also committed to working with our partners in the Air Force and National Guard to ensure our military remains strong and prepared—and I know we can do this while making sure Pennsylvanians’ voices are heard.”
Since its initial proposal, the Duke MOA low-flying training zone has faced strong opposition from Pennsylvania state officials, local leaders, conservation groups, and community members, who highlighted the potential negative impacts on local economies, public health and safety, and outdoor recreation.
After hearing constituent concerns, Senators Casey and Fetterman have advocated fiercely to stop the Air Force from adopting this plan. In December 2021, Casey sent a letter to the Maryland Air National Guard expressing concern about the proposal and its effects on economic growth and quality of life in the region. In May of last year, Senators Casey and Fetterman sent a letter to the Maryland Air National Guard and the Air National Guard Readiness Center once again expressing grave concerns with the plan and demanding the agencies examine the potential environmental impact of the proposal. The Senators also met with the Air Force on several occasions to request a reconsideration of the plan, and have worked with federal, state, and local officials to bring the proposal to a halt.
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