Quiet Communities Act of 2025

This legislation aims to reestablish the Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC) within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has not received funding since 1982. Congress finds that noise pollution significantly impacts public health, causing hearing impairment, sleep loss, cardiovascular disorders, and reduced productivity for millions of Americans. The reestablished ONAC would undertake several key duties, including promoting effective state and local noise control programs through technical assistance and grants, and carrying out a national noise control research program to assess health impacts. It would also conduct a national noise environmental assessment program to identify trends and evaluate abatement actions, particularly around major transportation facilities. Furthermore, the office would be responsible for developing and disseminating public information and educational materials on noise effects and control methods. It would also establish regional technical assistance centers and assess the effectiveness of the existing Noise Control Act of 1972. The bill mandates a specific study on aircraft noise and its effects on surrounding communities, to be conducted by independent scientists. This study will examine Federal Aviation Administration measurement methodologies, health impact thresholds, and the effectiveness of current abatement programs, with a report and recommendations due to Congress within two years. Finally, the legislation amends the Noise Control Act of 1972 to update grant provisions for quiet communities programs and authorizes an appropriation of $25,000,000 for the ONAC for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.