Senator Feinstein Urges Navy to Stop
Big Sur Bombing Runs
March 6, 2001

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) late yesterday urged the U.S. Navy to reconsider a proposed bombing range near Big Sur, California.

The Navy plan would allow bombers to fly over some of the most pristine areas of California’s coastline. The planes would take off from Lemoore Naval Air Station in the Central Valley and from aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean.

In a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Senator Feinstein wrote: “Maintaining the unparalleled beauty of this area far outweighs the monetary savings the construction of this range may provide. Existing ranges, including Fallon Naval Air Station and the Naval Air War Station at China Lake, could provide existing, numerous, and adequate alternatives to the Navy’s proposal.”

The Navy’s proposal calls for the aircraft to conduct nearly 3,000 missions each year at Fort Hunter Liggett in Southern Monterey County. The missions would include aiming dummy bombs at a 500 foot bull’s eye painted on the ground.

Senator Feinstein also urged Secretary Rumsfeld to look at the impact of aircraft noise on the local population. “Use of the proposed range, given it’s close proximity to pristine wilderness areas along the Central Coast of California, could harm the environment as well as the surrounding communities,” said Feinstein. “Increasing flights over and near populated areas could seriously impair the quality of life for many local residents and area businesses who depend on the serene atmosphere of the surrounding wilderness.”

A copy of Senator Feinstein’s letter is available upon request.