TagLegislation(56)

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.

Washington House Bill 2688, introduced in the 2020 legislative session, proposes updating the state's transportation policy goals to prioritize accessibility, environmental justice, public health, and climate by replacing older goals focused primarily on economic vitality and mobility. The bill would require transportation projects to undergo a multi-agency evaluation—including input from vulnerable and impacted communities—before receiving budget authorization. Projects that do not meet a minimum score based on the new policy goals would generally be excluded from funding.

The 'Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act,' introduced in the 116th Congress by Mr. Beyer, would require NASA to establish an initiative to develop and demonstrate new aircraft technologies capable of reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and noise emissions by at least 50 percent compared to the best-performing aircraft in service as of December 31, 2019. The bill responds to findings that aviation noise pollution is worsening in some communities as air traffic increases and performance-based navigation technology is adopted. It reflects a broader U.S. goal of carbon-neutral aviation growth from 2020 onward.

RCW 36.70A.200 requires counties and cities planning under Washington's Growth Management Act to include a process in their comprehensive plans for identifying and siting 'essential public facilities' — those typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities, regional transportation facilities, correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and inpatient care facilities. No local comprehensive plan or development regulation may outright prohibit the siting of these essential public facilities. The Office of Financial Management maintains a list of essential state public facilities likely to be built within the next six years.

On February 15, 2019, the Washington State Department of Commerce held a pre-proposal conference for a study examining the current and ongoing effects of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's operations on surrounding communities, as directed by Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6032. The conference outlined the project's objectives, scope of work, timeline, and proposal requirements for prospective contractors. The study was part of a broader state effort to understand how airport operations impact local neighborhoods, housing, and community well-being.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), signed into law in October 1998, is a federal copyright law divided into five titles that address online copyright protection, treaty implementation, and related digital issues. It creates new prohibitions against bypassing digital copy-protection technologies and tampering with copyright management information, while also limiting the liability of online service providers for copyright infringement. Note: This document concerns federal copyright law and does not contain information related to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

Washington State's Substitute House Bill 1915, signed into law on April 30, 1993, expanded the tools available to port districts for addressing aircraft noise impacts on nearby properties. The law allows ports to offer affected property owners a range of remedies, including property acquisition, transaction assistance, soundproofing programs, and mortgage insurance. A key update permits individual properties to receive benefits more than once if they experience increased or changed aircraft noise levels that would have warranted a different level of mitigation.

Washington State Senate Bill 3076, introduced in 1979, proposed the creation of a State Port Commission to financially assist and coordinate port districts across Washington. The three-member commission, appointed by the governor with senate approval, would serve six-year terms and be tasked with promoting domestic and foreign trade, eliminating wasteful competition, and supporting port facility development. Note: This bill pertains to port district governance and commerce, and does not directly address Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.