Article Summary –
The U.S. Air Force and National Guard have abandoned a plan to lower the flight training area of the Maryland Air National Guard above Pennsylvania communities to 100 feet above ground level. The plan, which was opposed by Democratic U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman and local communities in Pennsylvania, would have allowed low-altitude test flights up to 170 days per year over the Pennsylvania Wilds tourist area. The decision to abandon the plan was reportedly due to the decision to phase out the A-10s of the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard.
The Air Force And National Guard Drop Low-Altitude Flight Training Plan
The Air Force and National Guard have abandoned a plan to lower the Maryland Air National Guard’s flight training area to 100 feet above North Central Pennsylvania communities. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman hailed the decision as a victory for locals.
In 2019, the National Guard Bureau proposed lowering the Duke Military Operating Area over Cameron, Clinton, Elk, McKean, and Potter Counties from 8,000 feet to ground level. This would’ve allowed Maryland Air National Guard’s low-altitude tests over Pennsylvania Wilds, a tourist destination, up to 170 days a year.
Sen. Casey and Sen. Fetterman persistently urged military officials to abandon the plan, which was ultimately dropped due to the planned phasing out of A-10s of the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard.
Both Senators expressed relief over the decision, emphasizing the importance of preserving the tranquility of the Pennsylvania Wilds and listening to the voices of locals. They also pledged to work with the Air Force and National Guard to ensure military readiness while respecting people’s needs.
Local groups resisted the proposal, warning it could hurt tourism and economy. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau expressed gratitude towards Senators Casey and Fetterman for their efforts.
Opposition also came from Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Reps. Fred Keller, Dan Meuser, and Glenn Thompson, who stated that the plan’s impact would cause harm to the region.
Despite the Defense Department’s draft environmental assessment claiming minimal impact beyond increased noise, environmental groups disagreed. They pointed out the potential risks to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Cherry Springs State Park, and Dark Sky Park.
Sec. of Conservation and Natural Resources, Cindy Adams Dunn, warned about potential adverse impacts on natural resources, recreation, and local livelihoods in a 2019 letter.
The Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter also thanked Senators Casey and Fetterman for their efforts, emphasizing that the project’s cancellation ensures the continued tranquility of the Pennsylvania Wilds for future generations.
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