It's a hard fight, and an ancient one. Vested interests have always claimed prior rights to use and abuse our natural resources, especially when heavily backed by entrenched governmental policies and support. But in the end they must stop disturbing the communities near their operations. Whether it is polluting the Great Lakes, lead smelting in Tacoma or putting mufflers on truck jake brakes, private entities do not get to disturb and pollute the public.
Regarding general aviation, cities and counties will say they are hamstrung by grant assurance conditions imposed when taking FAA grant money. They've historically used this excuse to accept the status quo regarding control of our airspace, as it grows progressively out of control.
We citizens can join together and pressure airport owners to act in our interest, rather than letting the general aviation industry, protected by the FAA, steer the bus. No more free access to public facilities, no more special low rents for priveleged people, no more violating noise abatement areas, no more low flying over homes and communities and no more burning leaded fuel.