SCOTUS rejects flight paths appeal

Hartford (AP) - The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal over new flight paths that Connecticut officials say would route more large planes over the southwestern part of the state and harm the environment.

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says he's disappointed with Tuesday's decision by the high court and intends to find ways to keep fighting the new routes.

The state and several Fairfield County towns sued the Federal Aviation Administration over the new paths, citing environmental harm and more noise over the region.

FAA officials have said the new routes are needed to better manage increasing air traffic and cut congestion at New York and Philadelphia airports.

Blumenthal says the paths are based on flawed noise and traffic data.