A federal judge in Vermont has ruled that a U.S. Air Force environmental impact statement is sufficient to allow F-35 fighter jets to be based in the Burlington area beginning in 2019.

Advertisement F-35 fighter jets get green light for Burlington area Federal judge rules in favor of Vermont Air National Guard program Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A federal judge in Vermont has ruled that a U.S. Air Force environmental impact statement is sufficient to allow F-35 fighter jets to be based in the Burlington area beginning in 2019.U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford issued the decision Wednesday in a lawsuit brought by the Stop the F-35 Coalition and six Chittenden County residents.Watch this storyThe city of Winooski joined the plaintiffs, and South Burlington submitted a brief supporting the anti-F-35 forces."This decision secures the Vermont Air National Guard mission and these important jobs for hardworking Vermont families," Gov. Peter Shumlin said.The judge ruled that the Air Force took a "hard look" at the environmental consequences of the basing decision and took specific local factors into account.He found the Air Force's basing decision was not arbitrary or capricious and did not violate the law."We know Vermonters are very proud of their Vermont Air National Guard and today's decision is a clear message that the Air Force did its due diligence when making the F-35 basing decision," said Maj. Gen. Steven Cray, adjutant general of Vermont. "We are very happy to put the lawsuit behind us and to focus on the future of the Vermont Air Guard. As community partners it's important that we continue to work side by side with our airport neighbors."However, not all are happy with the ruling. The leader of the Stop the F-35 Coalition, Rosanne Greco, said she is disappointed but not surprised.They brought the lawsuit to get more information about the jets possible impacts, and she said now, the public will not be able to make an informed decision."We are fighting it because it's a social justice issue and because the lives of thousands of Vermonters actually are at risk here. Not just because of the safety issues, but it is incredibly loud, four times louder than the F-16's, which will affect peoples health, property values, and overall quality of life. All those things are worth fighting for," Greco said.She said the coalition will be meeting with their lawyer to consider future steps, and possibly an appeal.Eighteen F-35As are expected to replace the 18 F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to Burlington.The F-35A is intended to be the Air Force's premier strike aircraft through the first half of the 21st century, officials said.