Sec. 3. Reestablishment of office of noise abatement and control
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/bill/114/hr/3384/ih/section-3·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall reestablish within the Environmental Protection Agency an Office of Noise Abatement and Control. The responsibilities of the Office include the following: To promote the development of effective State and local noise control programs by providing States with technical assistance and grants to develop the programs, including the purchase of equipment for local communities. To carry out a national noise control research program to assess the impacts of noise from varied noise sources on mental and physical health.
To carry out a national noise environmental assessment program to identify trends in noise exposure and response, ambient levels, and compliance data and to determine the effectiveness of noise abatement actions, including actions for areas around major transportation facilities (such as highways, railroad facilities, and airports). To develop and disseminate information and educational materials to the public on the mental and physical effects of noise and the most effective means for noise control through the use of materials for school curricula, volunteer organizations, radio and television programs, publications, and other means.
To develop educational and training materials and programs, including national and regional workshops, to support State and local noise abatement and control programs. To establish regional technical assistance centers which use the capabilities of university and private organizations to assist State and local noise control programs. To undertake an assessment of the effectiveness of the Noise Control Act of 1972. In carrying out its duties under this section, the Office shall emphasize noise abatement approaches that rely on local and State activities, market incentives, and coordination with other public and private agencies.
Using funds made available to the Office, the Administrator shall carry out a study of airport noise. The Administrator shall carry out the study by entering into contracts or other agreements with independent scientists with expertise in noise measurements, noise effects, and noise abatement techniques to conduct the study. The study shall examine the selection of noise measurement methodologies by the Federal Aviation Administration, the threshold of noise at which health impacts are felt, and the effectiveness of noise abatement programs at airports around the Nation.
Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study, together with specific recommendations on new measures that can be implemented to mitigate the impact of aircraft noise on surrounding communities.