TagCRSReports(2)

CRS is Congress’ think tank, and its reports are relied upon by academics, businesses, judges, policy advocates, students, librarians, journalists, and policymakers for accurate and timely analysis of important policy issues. The reports are not classified and do not contain individualized advice to any specific member of Congress.

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  • 2021-09-27

    Federal airport noise regulations and programs

    This Congressional Research Service report explains how the federal government regulates aircraft noise around U.S. airports, primarily through two FAA programs: a voluntary noise compatibility planning program (Part 150) and a framework governing noise-based access restrictions (Part 161). It also highlights a key policy debate around whether the longstanding DNL 65 decibel threshold for 'significant' noise is still appropriate, given newer FAA survey data suggesting communities are significantly annoyed at much lower noise levels. The report is relevant to ongoing discussions about updating federal aviation noise standards ahead of the expected 2023 FAA reauthorization.
  • 2018-08-06

    Categorical Exclusions, Metroplexes, and Aircraft Noise Complaints

    August 6, 2018 IN10947 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated changes to airspace and flight procedures to take advantage of new technologies deployed under NextGen, a comprehensive air traffic modernization initiative that relies on satellite-based navigation and tracking to improve efficiency and airspace capacity. In some neighborhoods, however, FAA’s changes have increased overflights triggering