This bill would reestablish an Office of Noise Abatement and Control inside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Office would give technical help and grants to states and local communities, run national research and assessment programs on noise, develop public education and training materials, set up regional technical assistance centers, and study aircraft noise and ways to reduce its harms. The bill also repeals the Noise Pollution and Abatement Act of 1970 and amends the Noise Control Act of 1972 to update grant purposes and program language.
If this bill becomes law, the EPA would again have a dedicated office focused on reducing harmful noise. The office could fund local noise programs, produce educational materials for schools and the public, provide training and technical help, and study how noise (including from aircraft) affects nearby communities. Local governments and community groups could apply for grants and technical assistance under the program.
The bill authorizes $25,000,000 for the Office of Noise Abatement and Control for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030. No publicly available information on estimated total costs beyond this authorization or on offsets.
The bill’s findings say many people suffer hearing impairment and health harms tied to noise. Supporters argue the EPA previously had an Office of Noise Abatement and Control that stopped receiving funding in 1982, leaving federal noise programs dormant. They say reestablishing the Office will resume research, coordination, and support for state and local noise control, and help address growing noise from population and traffic.
No publicly available information.