Rockland Reporter

On May 23, 2024, Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) joined Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10) and Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) to introduce the bipartisan Safe Air on Airplanes Act. This legislation aims to secure clean air on airplanes for the nearly three million daily passengers and flight crews.

The proposed act seeks to phase out bleed air systems present in almost all commercial aircraft. These systems supply cabin air through the engine’s compressors, which can lead to "fume events" when fuel or toxic fluids leak. Such events expose passengers and crew to harmful chemicals that can pass through air filters, potentially causing chronic illnesses and immediate health impacts like difficulty breathing, dizziness, vomiting, irregular heart rates, and memory loss. The Boeing 787 is currently the only airplane model that does not use a bleed air system.

“Since coming to Congress, I’ve worked across the aisle to safeguard Americans from dangerous chemicals," said Congressman Lawler. "Every day, millions of airline passengers are at risk due to flawed bleed air systems in almost all passenger aircrafts. That’s why I’m proud to work with Congressman Frost and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce the Safe Air on Airplanes Act.”

“It’s unacceptable and a huge failure of the airline industry that millions of passengers and crew flying daily are at risk of inhaling dangerous fumes,” stated Congressman Frost. “Flight attendants like Shannon De Witt deserve clean air on every flight they take.”

“All Americans have the right to expect safe, clean air when they fly,” added Congressman Garamendi. “I am delighted to partner with my colleague Congressman Frost on this critically important legislation.”

Shannon De Witt, a flight attendant and constituent of Congressman Frost remarked, “When it comes to fume events, you have two choices: take action or allow others or yourself to suffer the consequences.”

The act has garnered endorsements from organizations including the Association of Flight Attendants – CWA, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and Transport Workers Union of America.

“No one should get sick because the air on our planes becomes contaminated with poisons,” said Sara Nelson, International President of AFA-CWA. “Rep. Frost and his colleagues are taking meaningful action.”

TWU International President John Samuelsen commented, “This bill would create better working conditions for everyone on board – along with the traveling public who also suffers when contaminated air seeps into the cabin.”

The Safe Air on Airplanes Act will:

- End the use of bleed air systems for ventilation in new commercial aircraft designs.

- Require filters on existing bleed air systems within seven years.

- Phase out bleed air systems in existing commercial aircraft designs over time.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District north of New York City.