Foes Seek Veto of Exemption to Airport Law

Opponents of a bill exempting Los Angeles County from a new law aimed at controlling growth around California’s airports are launching a last-ditch effort to persuade Gov. George Deukmejian to veto the legislation.

Caltrans, the city of Los Angeles and an airport advisory panel plan to recommend a veto of the bill, which is bound for Deukmejian’s desk after clearing the Assembly last week on a 51-18 vote. The measure passed the Senate last month.

The bill, by state Sen. Robert G. Beverly (R-Manhattan Beach), would exempt the county from a 7-month-old law that puts teeth into statutes designed to ensure that new development is compatible with the state’s 269 airports.

Without the exemption, far-reaching regulations could be placed on development near Los Angeles International Airport, as well as airports in other parts of the county, including La Verne, El Monte and Burbank.

Supporters of the bill to exempt Los Angeles County from the law say the county is special because the land around most of its airports is already densely developed.

But foes of an exemption for Los Angeles County argue that regional airport planning is needed to promote air safety and minimize the exposure of homes and businesses to aircraft noise.