News Archive

AOPA supports bills banning landfills near Illinois airports

AOPA has asked Illinois legislators to approve legislation that would prohibit the state Environmental Protection Agency from issuing construction permits for municipal solid waste landfills within six miles of a public general aviation airport.

The legislation also would prohibit local governments from granting a request for siting approval of a landfill within six miles.

"The siting of landfills near airports is a nationwide concern," said Owen Sweeney, AOPA manager of state and local government affairs. "We commend Sen. Gary Forby and Rep. John Bradley for their desire to protect pilots from wildlife and other hazards that may result from a landfill being sited too close to an airport."

February 1, 2006