TagAdam Smith(59)

H.R. 5874, the 'Decrease Noise Levels Act,' introduced in February 2020, would require the FAA to lower the threshold for significant aircraft noise from a day-night average sound level of 65 to 60 decibels. The bill also directs the FAA to publish a public report within one year outlining a strategy to further reduce residential noise levels to 55 decibels over the following decade. Additionally, it mandates that community outreach efforts include evaluations of alternative noise measurement metrics beyond the current standard.

The F-AIR Act (H.R. 5109), introduced in November 2019, proposes to update the FAA's priorities when managing U.S. airspace. While keeping aircraft safety as the top priority, the bill would elevate the reduction of aviation noise, community health impacts, and environmental concerns to co-equal status alongside airspace efficiency. The FAA would be required to review and update its regulations, policies, and mission statement within 12 months of the act's passage to reflect these new priorities.

In October 2019, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9th District) wrote to the Government Accountability Office requesting that its study on FAA aircraft noise management be expanded beyond major metropolitan 'metroplexes' to also include Single Site airports, such as those affected by NextGen flight procedure changes near smaller cities. The letter asks the GAO to examine how the FAA measures, discloses, and mitigates noise impacts at these airports, whether its current noise standards adequately protect communities, and how effectively it engages the public when implementing new flight routes. The request was driven by significant community concern over increased noise resulting from NextGen-related flight path changes at Single Site airports.

The Aviation Impacted Communities Act establishes a structured process to help neighborhoods affected by aircraft noise, starting with the FAA identifying eligible communities and ending with grants for noise mitigation. A community qualifies as 'aviation impacted' if it is located within 1 mile of any point where a commercial or cargo jet route passes at or below 3,000 feet above ground level. Once designated, communities can form boards, conduct studies, and develop action plans to address aviation-related impacts near airports like Sea-Tac.

This legislative summary outlines a proposed bill aimed at protecting communities affected by airport noise and aviation emissions. It establishes a formal designation for 'aviation-impacted communities' located within one mile of low-flying commercial or cargo jet routes, creates local community boards to engage with the FAA and airport operators, and requires the FAA to develop action plans and provide mitigation funding — such as sound insulation and noise barriers — for affected residences, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.