Can they do this? I hope so.
This is a good trend. I like it.
From what I've read, the "opt out" was a compromise reached when TSA was formed. Republicans wanted private security and Democrats naturally wanted SEIU federal workers. The compromise was that a given airport authority could opt out of the federal program. I don't know if there are time triggers or other baggage tied to it.
Yes, they can opt out. It seems the republicans slipped this little opt out clause in the bill when they authorized TSA to take over.
“Can they do this?”
Yes they CAN, and it might not hurt if we all contacted airports in our vicinity, and got them to do the same, or even call a local talk show, or write a letter to the editor so your neighbors will contact the airport.