Darien
Conn.

Feb. 3, 1971

Dear Congressman Yates:

Replying to your letter of January 20th, my impression is
that the supersonic transport is within the state of the art
technically but not economically or environmentally. Seat-mile
costs are too high, and the pollution of the upper atmosphere
too dangerous on the basis of present knowledge. I believe it
would be a mistake to become committed to a multi-billion
dollar supersonic transport program without reasonable certainty
that SST's will be practical economically and acceptable
environmentally.

I do not now see any practical way to avoid the disturbance
that would be caused by regular sonic booms. As a citizen, I
feel we are already subjected to more than enough technological
noises, and my vote will be against adding to the present noise
level in any unnecessary way. I do not accept as practical or
lasting the idea that supersonic transports would be flown at
supersonic speeds only over water.

Please accept my apology for the lateness of this reply to
your letter. I have been travelling almost constantly, and
have been unable to keep in close contact with my mail.

Hon. Sidney R. Yates
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.