Res. No. 85-A

Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.2583, which would establish a noise tax on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights in cities with a population of one million or more.

By Council Members Gennaro, Farías, Brewer, Louis, Holden, Hudson, Cabán, Rivera, Joseph, Gutiérrez and Hanks

                     Whereas, There are thousands of commercial helicopter flights over New York City each month; and

Whereas, Helicopter-related noise complaints to New York City’s 3-1-1 increased from approximately 26,000 in 2022 to approximately 59,000 in 2023 with a vast majority of the complaints coming from Manhattan; and

Whereas, According to numerous health publications, exposure to excessive noise produced by frequent overhead flights are associated with a number of health effects, including, but not limited to: (i) high blood pressure; (ii) neuroendocrinological issues; (iii) impaired psychological and cognitive functions; (iv) learned helplessness; (v) poorer long-term memory; and (iv) diminished reading comprehension; and

Whereas, Many national and municipal organizations, such as Stop the Chop NY/NJ, create  public educational campaigns on the dangers to health and the environment that can be caused by non-essential helicopter sightseeing tours and commuter flights that fly over our City; and

Whereas, In an effort to mitigate the impact of the non-essential commercial flights on public health and the environment, A.2583, which was introduced by New York State Assemblymember Robert C. Carroll, seeks to amend the New York State Tax Law by establishing a noise tax on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights in cities with a population of one million or more; and

Whereas, Pursuant to A.2583, the tax rate on such aircrafts would be fifty dollars per seat ticket, or two hundred dollars per flight, whichever is greater; and

Whereas, Under A.2583, flight operators who fail to pay this tax due to willful neglect would subject to a penalty of four hundred percent of the total tax amount due; and

Whereas, A.2583, would mandate that all funds collected under this new tax be deposited in New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund; and

Whereas, Enacting A.2583 would help reduce noise pollution from the plethora of non-essential aircrafts that affect the millions of residents in our great City; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.2583, which would establish a noise tax on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights in cities with a population of one million or more.

WJH

LS 15031

4/21/25