Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act
- Bill Number
- S. 2307
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-05T22:01:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act," aims to address the deterioration of older sound insulation installations in homes near airports. It authorizes a pilot program to provide federal funding for repairing or replacing these treatments, helping reduce aircraft noise impacts on nearby residents without duplicating prior government costs.
Key Provisions
- Pilot Program Establishment: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must create a pilot program within 120 days of enactment at up to four large hub public-use airports. These airports must already have local programs that use non-airport-related revenue (non-aeronautical revenue) to fund noise mitigation efforts.
- Funding Waiver: Eligible airports can receive a one-time waiver from certain federal funding restrictions (under section 47110(b)(4) of title 49, U.S. Code) for projects repairing or replacing sound insulation in residential buildings that previously received federal airport assistance.
- Eligibility Criteria for Residences:
- The home must be in areas with moderate to high aircraft noise levels, specifically within Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) contours of 65 to 75 decibels (a measure of average noise over 24 hours, with higher numbers indicating louder environments), based on the latest noise exposure maps.
- Or, it was in such noise zones when originally treated, but the insulation has caused damage, used low-quality materials that have failed, or no longer works effectively.
- Current indoor noise must exceed 45 dB, and the repair/replacement must achieve at least a 5 dB reduction.
- Installations must predate 2002, and applicants must show they tried to use warranties, insurance, or legal options first.
- A qualified noise expert (auditor) must confirm structural damage from the insulation itself, not due to owner neglect or misuse.
- Cost Calculation: For approved projects, federal funding covers full costs without subtracting amounts already paid by the government previously.
- Survey Authority: Airports can use federal funds for periodic inspections of previously treated homes (with owner consent) to check insulation effectiveness and identify repair needs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends section 47109 of title 49, U.S. Code (part of the Airport Improvement Program, which provides federal grants for airport development), by adding a rule to exclude prior government payments from cost calculations for waived sound insulation projects.
- Adds a new subsection (j) to section 47110, introducing the pilot program and waiver process, which expands eligibility for noise abatement funding beyond initial installations to include repairs of older, failed treatments.
- These changes build on existing FAA noise mitigation rules but create a targeted exception for deterioration issues, allowing flexibility not previously available under standard grant requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The FAA gains authority to administer the pilot, potentially increasing administrative workload for approvals and surveys, but with cost efficiencies by avoiding double-counting prior federal investments. It may strain the Airport Improvement Program's budget if extended beyond the pilot.
- On Citizens: Residents near busy airports could benefit from quieter homes through free or subsidized repairs, improving quality of life in noise-affected areas without out-of-pocket costs (after exhausting other remedies).
- On Airport Operators: Provides tools to maintain community relations and comply with noise regulations, using local revenues alongside federal support.
- International Relations: No direct impact, as this focuses on domestic U.S. airport noise mitigation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Airport Operators: Especially at large hub airports, who can apply for waivers and conduct surveys.
- Residents and Property Owners: Near airports in eligible noise zones, gaining access to repairs for homes with faulty pre-2002 insulation.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Responsible for program setup, eligibility determinations, and oversight.
- Local Communities: Benefiting indirectly from reduced noise complaints and improved housing conditions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the federal role in environmental noise abatement under the Airport and Airway Improvement Act (title 49, U.S. Code), potentially setting a precedent for funding repairs of past federal projects without liability for initial flaws. Requires "good faith efforts" to avoid lawsuits, which could limit legal challenges from insurers or contractors.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and aviation (under the Commerce Clause), with no apparent conflicts to property rights, as participation is voluntary and owner-consented.
- Political: Could appeal to urban and suburban districts near major airports by addressing long-standing noise pollution issues, but may face scrutiny over federal spending priorities in aviation budgets. The pilot's limited scope (four airports) allows testing before broader implementation, reducing political risk.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-07-16: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act — issued 2025-07-16 — PDF (6 pages)