Panel Calls for Further Review of LAX Project

LOS ANGELES — A key City Council panel on Tuesday refused to approve a lease for new United Airlines cargo facilities at Los Angeles International Airport, agreeing that the project requires further environmental review.

The city has already been sued twice over the proposed facilities. The latest lawsuit was filed Friday by the labor union fighting to represent workers at the airport. Service Employees International Union, Local 1877 sought to block the lease because the city did not require an environmental impact report.

The committee, headed by Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, agreed that the proposal needs a more comprehensive environmental review, particularly because surrounding cities such as El Segundo and Inglewood have complained about the same issues.

United Airlines officials complained Tuesday that the requirement would unnecessarily delay the project and further stall jobs at the airport.

“The project has been subjected to two years of intense scrutiny,” said Dale J. Goldsmith, an attorney representing United. “Every argument has been completely and adequately responded to. This may be a red herring.”

United officials and others have said the council members are trying to pressure the airline to help settle labor disputes at the airport with its contractor, Argenbright Security Inc.

To that end, the council Tuesday supported a series of proposals from Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg aimed at urging United to resolve the labor dispute. A majority of the workers who voted last month supported the union drive, but Argenbright has refused to recognize the unit.