BRIEF: U.S. Air Force extends deadline for comment on expanded/intensified training proposal
Local activists, residents, claim strong public opposition-- but the fight is far from over
The U.S. Air Force has extended its period of public comment related to its proposed plans to expand and intensify training activities over much of Cochise County and southwestern New Mexico.
The deadline for public comment had been October 9. On the afternoon of that day, the Air Force pushed the deadline back to November 12.
If you have not commented yet and wish to do so, here is the Air Force’s online comment portal.
According to a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) issued by the Air Force in August, our area— referred to as the Tombstone Military Operations Area (MOA)— could see more than twice the number of training sorties flown over our homes and communities, sorties flown as low as 100 feet about ground level, lower altitude deployment of chaff and flares, as well as supersonic flight causing ‘sonic booms.’ The overall geographical boundaries of the “MOA” may be expanded as well.
[Read Cochise Regional News’ earlier reporting on this here.]
Opponents of these Air Force plans point to increased fire risk from flares, increased severe noise nuisance from low-flying aircraft and sonic booms, decreased property value, impacts on quality of life, economic impacts on tourism— as well as cumulative impacts on public health and wildlife.
Though required by federal law to seek input from affected communities to the best of its ability, the Air Force has held only one in-person public meeting/hearing on the proposed Tombstone MOA expansion/intensification.
This public hearing was held in September in Animas, New Mexico— far removed from the bulk of the affected population, in Cochise County.
[Read Cochise Regional News’ earlier reporting on this here.]
Peaceful Chiricahua Skies (PCS) is a local group leading opposition to the plans laid out in the DEIS— largely by raising awareness, gathering signatures, and offering resources to the public.
These resources have included accessible information deciphering the Air Force’s DEIS, information regarding the risks/harms this intensification poses to our homes and communities, resources to help residents report nuisances inflicted by training flights, and resources to help members of the public craft effective comments in response to the DEIS.
According to a press release issued by the group today, PCS has submitted 310 pages of comments signed onto by 21 businesses and organizations, as well petition signatures and comments from more than 3,600 individuals opposing the plans laid out in the Air Force DEIS.
"Public opinion, press coverage, and engagement of elected officials are all strong right now,” said PCS representative Karen Fasimpaur.
“As far as the [Air Force], they seem to be doubling down on their resolve. It's definitely an uphill battle, but our coalition and the people opposed to this are in it for the long haul, including litigation if necessary,” she added.
To learn more about the proposed expansion/intensification of Air Force training activities in our area, please see CRN’s earlier reporting on this. This reporting contains links to the Air Force Tombstone MOA DEIS and other resources/information.
If you are interested in learning more about opposition to the proposed MOA expansion/intensification, including how to submit effective comments regarding the plans, visit Peaceful Chiricahua Skies’ website.
The U.S. Air Force’s current deadline for public comment is November 12. Here is their portal to receive online comment.
Beau Hodai, Cochise Regional News— October 10, 2024