TagFAA(684)

A federal court ruled in 2023 that the EPA had unreasonably delayed for over 40 years in carrying out its legal duties under the Noise Control Act of 1972, which requires the agency to regulate environmental noise, publish noise-related reports, and help state and local governments develop noise control programs. Although President Reagan defunded the EPA's noise office in 1982, Congress never actually repealed the Noise Control Act, meaning the EPA's obligations under the law remained in force. The court granted partial summary judgment in favor of the plaintiffs, finding the EPA's inaction on four key counts unlawful.

A legal review of the FAA's new Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee (ANAC) finds that while the committee includes community representatives, aviation industry members are likely to outnumber and outvote them, limiting residents' real influence over noise policy decisions. The review also raises concerns that key technical work done in subcommittees may happen outside public view, with no requirement for minority reports when community members are overruled. The author recommends the FAA adopt clearer voting rules, guaranteed community seats on subcommittees, and routine public disclosure of meeting records and competing recommendations.

The FAA extends its April 20, 2026, order limiting scheduled aircraft operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) through October 30, 2027. The extension is necessitated by ongoing construction projects and airfield adjustments expected to continue through Summer 2027, which continue to limit airport capacity. The order was issued by FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and