REGIONAL OMBUDSMEN.

SEC. 180. [49 U.S.C. 106 note] REGIONAL OMBUDSMEN. (a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, with respect to each region of the Federal Aviation Administration, the Regional Administrator for that region shall designate an individual to be the Regional Ombudsman for the region. (b) Requirements.—Each Regional Ombudsman shall— (1) serve as a regional liaison with the public, including community groups, on issues regarding aircraft noise, pollution, and safety; (2) make recommendations to the Administrator for the region to address concerns raised by the public and improve the consideration of public comments in decision-making processes; and (3) be consulted on proposed changes in aircraft operations affecting the region, including arrival and departure routes, in order to minimize environmental impacts, including noise.