Negating Neighborhood Noise Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 8717

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-05-07: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Last Updated

2026-05-21T19:56:36Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Negating Neighborhood Noise Act of 2026 (H.R. 8717) aims to allow limited use of federal highway funds for building or maintaining certain Type II noise barriers—walls or barriers that reduce traffic noise along existing highways (not new ones)—in specific situations, particularly to protect older residential neighborhoods. It also promotes multifunctional barriers and aesthetic design.

Key Provisions

• Exceptions to Funding Ban (amends National Highway System Designation Act of 1995):
• Federal Highway Trust Fund money can fund Type II noise barriers if:
• The barrier was not part of a project approved before November 28, 1995.
• It is along land that was developed or under major construction before the highway's right-of-way (land acquisition) or construction was approved.
• It separates a highway from mostly residential structures (homes/apartments) that are at least 10 years old.
• New Funding Eligibility (amends 23 U.S.C. § 133):
• Type II noise barriers qualify for Surface Transportation Block Grant funds, if they meet the above exceptions.
• Multipurpose Barriers:
• Barriers can include secondary uses like solar panels, electrical lines, or broadband internet infrastructure.
• States can approve these on federal-aid highways.
• Aesthetics:
• Project sponsors must consider visual appeal, following the Federal Highway Administration's Noise Barrier Design Handbook.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Lifts Partial Ban: Previously, no Highway Trust Fund money could fund Type II noise barriers under certain highway planning rules (23 U.S.C. § 109(h)-(i)). Now, exceptions allow funding in targeted cases.
• Expands Block Grants: Adds Type II barriers as an eligible use for these flexible federal grants.
• Introduces Flexibility: First-time authorization for multipurpose designs and state approvals for secondary uses on barriers.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will process more noise barrier projects; states gain approval authority for multipurpose features, potentially reducing federal oversight.
• Citizens: Reduced highway noise for residents in qualifying older neighborhoods, improving quality of life; multipurpose barriers could add benefits like cheaper renewable energy or better internet access.
• No notable international relations impact.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Residents near existing highways, especially in 10+ year-old residential areas.
• State DOTs and local project sponsors (gains funding access and design flexibility).
• Federal agencies (DOT/FHWA: increased project approvals).
• Infrastructure providers (e.g., renewable energy, telecom, utilities: opportunities for secondary uses on barriers).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Clarifies and expands federal funding rules under Title 23 U.S.C., tying eligibility to objective criteria (e.g., development dates, structure age) to limit broad spending; relies on Secretary of Transportation's determinations for some approvals.
• No major constitutional issues (involves spending power and highway regulation).
• Political: Supports bipartisan infrastructure goals (introduced by Democrats); encourages efficient land use by integrating noise mitigation with energy/broadband needs, potentially aiding environmental and economic priorities.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]

Recent Actions

• 2026-05-07: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2026-05-07: Introduced in House
• 2026-05-07: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Negating Neighborhood Noise Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-07 — PDF (5 pages)