# Plain Language Summary: Quiet Communities Act of 2023

This bill brings back a federal office that was shut down over 40 years ago to tackle noise pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had an Office of Noise Abatement and Control that stopped receiving funding in 1982, even though the EPA is still legally required to enforce noise regulations. This bill restarts that office and gives it real resources to address noise problems affecting millions of Americans.

The bill is based on solid evidence that noise pollution is a serious health issue. According to the legislation, about 10 million Americans have hearing damage partially caused by noise exposure, and millions more suffer from sleep loss, stress, and cardiovascular problems from constant exposure to aircraft, traffic, and other loud sources. The bill recognizes that while the EPA technically still has authority over noise, without an actual office and funding, nothing gets done—so state and local noise control programs have basically gone dormant.

Once reestablished, the office will help states and communities develop their own noise control programs by providing technical assistance and grants to purchase equipment. It will also conduct research on how noise affects our health, track noise trends across the country, and create educational materials to teach people about noise problems and solutions. The bill specifically requires a study on aircraft noise around airports, since that's a major complaint in many communities. The office will also set up regional training centers to help local governments implement noise reduction strategies.

To make this happen, the bill authorizes $25 million per year for five years (2024-2028). This is a modest investment aimed at giving communities tools to address a problem that currently gets almost no federal attention, even though it affects public health and quality of life for tens of millions of people.

Quiet Communities Act of 2023

Meng, Grace

Quiet Communities Act of 2023 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to reestablish an Office of Noise Abatement and Control to promote the development of local noise control programs and carry out related duties.