The dormant Noise Control Act and options to abate noise pollution.

Abstract

In 1981, Congress ended funding for the Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC) at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Before the elimination of ONAC, EPA engaged in a wide variety of activities to abate noise pollution under the authority of the Noise Control Act and, after 1978, the Quiet Communities Act. Elimination of ONAC’s funding has stymied noise abatement efforts at both the federal and state level, while noise levels have probably increased. Without federal action, little governmental noise abatement activity can be expected. Although Congress has several options to abate noise pollution, funding EPA to implement the NCA is the best solution.