Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Noise Oversight and Information for Safe Environments Act

Summary

H.R. 6927, the "Noise Oversight and Information for Safe Environments Act," aims to amend the Noise Control Act of 1972. The bill seeks to establish a deadline for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise or supplement noise criteria. Specifically, it mandates the EPA Administrator to review and, if necessary, revise noise criteria at least once every 10 years.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill would be to ensure regular review and updating of noise pollution standards. This could lead to stricter or more relevant noise regulations based on current scientific understanding. Ultimately, this could improve public health and environmental quality by mitigating the negative impacts of noise.

Potential Benefits

  • Regular review of noise criteria ensures standards remain current with scientific understanding.
  • Potential for stricter noise regulations to protect public health.
  • Increased transparency and public awareness regarding noise pollution.
  • May encourage development of quieter technologies and practices.
  • Could lead to improved quality of life in communities affected by noise.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased regulatory burden on businesses and industries.
  • Costs associated with implementing revised noise standards.
  • Possible legal challenges to new or revised noise regulations.
  • The bill's effectiveness depends on the EPA's capacity and willingness to enforce the updated criteria.
  • The 2-year deadline for initial review may be insufficient for a comprehensive assessment.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to protect public health and the environment by addressing noise pollution. Congress has the power to legislate on matters affecting interstate commerce and environmental protection, which implicitly includes the regulation of noise. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).