Sponsors (26)
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Creates a permanent Office of Noise Abatement and Control inside the Environmental Protection Agency to study and reduce harmful community noise. The Office will run research and national assessments, provide technical assistance and grants to state and local governments (including equipment purchases and training), develop public education and training, set up regional technical assistance centers, and carry out a 2-year aircraft noise study with independent scientists. The bill authorizes $25 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 for the Office and repeals the older Noise Pollution and Abatement Act of 1970.
The bill directs federal funding, grants, and a restored federal research/coordination role to reduce harmful noise—improving health, equity, and local capacity—but does so at measurable federal cost and with risks of administrative burden, regulatory costs, and limited local flexibility unless stronger allocation and accountability measures are added.
Communities near highways, rail yards, airports, and other noisy places (including people with hearing impairments, seniors, children, and families) would face reduced harmful noise exposure, improving sleep, hearing, mental and physical health, and children’s learning.
State and local governments, nonprofits, and communities would receive predictable federal funding (authorized $25M/year) and sustained support to implement noise‑mitigation projects and build local programs.
State and local governments, universities, and community organizations would gain grants, technical assistance, training, and regional centers to build capacity, run abatement programs, and operate noise‑abatement equipment.
Taxpayers would fund increased federal spending (about $125M over five years) to create and operate the office and programs, with ongoing budget implications.
The bill provides limited allocation details and performance requirements, risking inefficient use of funds and weak accountability so programs may deliver uncertain or uneven results.
Local governments, nonprofits, and grant recipients could face significant administrative burdens to apply for, manage, and comply with new grant requirements and program rules.
Introduced September 4, 2025 by Grace Meng · Last progress September 4, 2025