rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/f-16?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-f-16' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Gila Conservation Coalition https://actionnetwork.org/groups/gila-conservation-coalition https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/150/026/normal/F-16DM-flares.jpg Holloman Air Force Base (AFB) wants to expand its F-16 pilot training airspace across southwestern New Mexico. Although the Air Force acknowledges that current airspace is adequate, it proposes an annual additional of 10,000 flights, discharge of 15,000 flares and 15,000 bundles of chaff. We shouldn’t sacrifice the Gila, America’s first wilderness when there are better places for this training. Holloman has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) evaluating alternatives to expand airspace for training F-16 pilots. Alternatives 2 and 3 would add 4.5 million acres of Special Use Airspace, including the new Lobos Military Operations Area (MOA), for a total of 7 million acres of training area over the Gila Wilderness and the Rio Grande Valley. These are places that are quiet and distinguished by a wealth of unique natural assets. People living in these areas will not receive economic benefits from intense F16 training but will experience extreme noise, pollution, the threat of catastrophic fire and severe impacts to outdoor-based economies. The Air Force acknowledges that Alternative 1 - reconfiguration of Talon MOA, east of Alamogordo - meets its additional training needs with the fewest risks and impacts because it builds on existing airspace. We recognize the role of Holloman’s F-16 pilot training mission to national defense. Alternative 1 best meets those needs. PROTECT THE GILA FROM F-16 TRAINING! Comment on the Draft EIS for the Holloman F-16 Training Airspace Proposal by January 31, 2020 Please provide a comment letter to the Air Force opposing Alternatives 2 & 3 in the Holloman DEIS through the petition form below. We’ll send it along to Holloman to make sure they get there and to other decision makers, including New Mexico legislators that can help us stop this proposal. Peaceful Gila Skies is a coalition of business and community leaders, conservation groups, sportsmen, veterans and concerned citizens, united in our goal of protecting the Gila Region from military aircraft training. www.peacefulgilaskies.com | 575.538.8078 | peacefulgilaskies@gmail.com https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/f-16