Federal

United States Congress

In 1972, the U.S. Congress enacted the Noise Control Act (NCA), which established a national policy to promote an environment for all Americans that is free from noise that jeopardizes health or welfare. The Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC) was created within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address noise-related issues affecting the general public.

In 1982, federal funding for ONAC was eliminated, and responsibility for noise control activities was largely shifted to state and local governments.

In 1997, 2003, and 2005, Representative Nina Lowey (D–NY) introduced legislation commonly referred to as the Quiet Communities Act. The proposed legislation sought to restore funding for ONAC.

The legislation would have supported a national noise assessment program to identify trends in noise exposure and public response, as well as the development and dissemination of information and educational materials related to the health effects of noise. It also proposed the establishment of regional technical assistance centers, drawing on the resources of universities and private organizations to assist state and local noise control efforts.

The proposed legislation would also have directed the EPA to study the impact of aircraft noise in major metropolitan areas and to recommend mitigation measures for consideration by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal agency of the United States responsible for protecting human health and safeguarding the natural environment. Under the Noise Control Act of 1972, the EPA was authorized to establish noise emission standards for certain products and equipment identified as major sources of noise in commerce.

As part of this authority, the EPA established noise emission standards for newly manufactured transportation equipment, including motorcycles and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. These standards apply at the time of manufacture and require vehicles to meet specified noise limits and display EPA compliance labeling on the chassis and, where applicable, the exhaust system.

Federal noise regulations primarily address manufacturing standards rather than the day-to-day operation of vehicles. While the EPA’s noise control role was significantly reduced in the early 1980s following the elimination of dedicated funding, the underlying regulatory framework remains in place. As a result, federal noise standards continue to inform enforcement efforts, even where direct federal oversight is limited.

In addition to motorcycles and trucks, the EPA historically had authority to regulate noise emissions from other major sources, including certain types of construction, industrial, and consumer equipment. However, many of these regulatory efforts were not fully developed after federal noise control programs were scaled back.

In-use noise enforcement for vehicles and equipment, including automobile exhaust systems and modified vehicles, is primarily handled at the state and local level. States and municipalities typically rely on their own noise ordinances, vehicle codes, and inspection programs to regulate excessive or modified exhaust noise and other community noise sources.

Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation in the United States. The FAA develops and administers programs addressing aircraft noise and other environmental effects associated with aviation.

The FAA provides public information and resources related to airport and aircraft noise, including procedures for responding to community concerns. The agency’s Aviation Noise Ombudsman serves as a point of contact for public inquiries and complaints regarding aircraft noise.

As part of various airspace modernization and redesign initiatives, the FAA has stated that noise considerations are among the factors evaluated during planning and implementation. FAA officials have publicly acknowledged noise as a consideration in airspace design efforts, alongside safety and efficiency.

Airspace redesign initiatives have generated concern in some communities regarding changes in aircraft flight paths and perceived increases in noise exposure. In response, affected communities and local representatives have, at times, sought further review through administrative processes and litigation.

The regulation and management of aircraft noise involves balancing operational efficiency, safety requirements, and community impact. As airspace modernization efforts continue, aircraft noise remains an ongoing area of public concern and regulatory review.

Federal Railroad Administration

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is an agency within the United States Department of Transportation responsible for promoting rail transportation and overseeing rail safety.

The FRA’s Office of Safety enforces federal noise emission regulations applicable to railroad equipment, including standards governing maximum sound levels and the use of locomotive horns.

For passenger rail projects and stationary rail facilities, the FRA relies on noise and vibration assessment procedures developed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The FTA is a separate agency within the Department of Transportation that administers federal funding to state and local public transportation systems, including buses, subways, and commuter rail.

In 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation addressing rail safety that included provisions related to locomotive horn use and community noise concerns. These provisions were intended to allow for limited local consideration of quality-of-life factors within the federal regulatory framework.

Federal regulations governing locomotive horn use are designed primarily to address safety at rail crossings. The interaction between federal safety requirements and local community concerns has been an ongoing area of regulatory discussion and review.

Federal Highway Administration

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is an agency within the United States Department of Transportation responsible for overseeing highway transportation. The FHWA administers federal funding and provides guidance related to the construction, maintenance, and operation of the National Highway System, which includes Interstate Highways, U.S. Routes, and many state routes.

Federal Transit Administration

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is an agency within the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) that administers federal funding to support locally planned, constructed, and operated public transportation systems. These systems include buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, streetcars, monorails, passenger ferries, inclined railways, and people movers.

The FTA has published guidance that outlines concepts, methods, and procedures for assessing noise and vibration impacts associated with transit projects. This guidance is widely used in project planning and environmental review. The Transportation Research Board (TRB), a division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, serves as an independent adviser on scientific and technical matters and has contributed research related to transportation noise and vibration.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an agency within the United States Department of Transportation and part of the Executive Branch of the federal government. Its mission is to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries and to improve vehicle safety.

In addition to its safety role, NHTSA serves as a primary federal regulator of motor vehicle safety standards applicable to the automotive industry.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency within the United States Department of Labor responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research related to occupational safety and health and provides recommendations to inform standards and best practices.

OSHA regulations require the use of audible warning devices, such as back-up alarms, on certain types of vehicles and equipment to address workplace safety risks. Traditional tonal back-up alarms emit a high-pitched sound that can be audible over long distances.

Alternative warning devices, including broadband or multi-frequency alarms, have been developed to improve directional awareness while limiting the distance over which sound carries. These technologies have been examined in occupational safety and environmental noise discussions as potential options for balancing worker safety with community noise concerns.

Consumer Product Safety Commission

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent federal regulatory agency established by Congress under the Consumer Product Safety Act. The Commission’s mandate is to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products.

The CPSC has jurisdiction over thousands of consumer products distributed in the United States, including toys, electronics, recreational vehicles, and certain types of household and landscaping equipment. Its regulatory responsibilities include setting safety standards, issuing recalls, and providing consumer safety information.

At various points in its history, the agency has faced operational challenges related to staffing, leadership vacancies, and funding levels. During periods when the Commission has lacked a full complement of appointed commissioners, its ability to carry out certain regulatory actions has been limited.

While the CPSC addresses a wide range of product safety concerns, its regulatory focus has historically emphasized injury prevention and mechanical hazards. Noise-related risks associated with consumer products have generally received less attention within the agency’s safety framework.