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A Short History of CAAN

CAAN has been in operation for 30 years, and some of its members were part of earlier organizations which operated as far back as the 1970's. CAAN’s original objective was to work to reduce aircraft noise in the Metropolitan Washington D.C. area. In recent years, we have broadened our horizons to include other forms of pollution, concern for safety at National, and alternative forms of transportation.

CAAN operates as a coalition of community associations from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Its nine member all volunteer board - three from each jurisdiction All decisions are made for the betterment of the region, not just for one jurisdiction.

In the last 25 years, CAAN has had some notable successes like the favorable U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the role of Congress in the operation of our airports. However, these big achievements are the exception. Our work is mostly a process of small steps leading to an eventual change for the better and being a voice for residents on aviation pollution issues.

Here are some of the things we’ve done with help from our supporters:

  • Worked with our Congressional representatives in promoting nighttime noise restrictions
  • Took Congress and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to the Supreme Court twice for violating the separation of powers provision of the U.S. Constitution - and won both times
  • Made your voice heard by testifying at FAA hearings
  • Testified before Congressional House subcommittees
  • Worked with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) to help devise effective governmental solutions to aircraft noise
  • Established a direct working group with the FAA
  • Successfully persuaded airlines to change the routes they were using to mitigate or eliminate noise over certain areas
  • Published periodic newsletters, and sent out notices on issues requiring community action.
  • Established website to communicate more frequently with supporters
  • Participated in Television discussions on the aircraft pollution issue.

Currently, we are:

  • Continue to work with Federal, State and local officials on air transportation issues
  • Working with MWAA towards effective use of their new noise monitoring system
  • Working with MWAA in implementing its new on-line air traffic activity monitor
  • Going before civic associations to talk about the environmental issues of air transportation.
 

Contact us at [email protected] if you have questions about our website