NOISE CONTROL ACT OF 1972
117–58
Statute Compilation
United States House of Representatives
Office of the Legislative Counsel
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
GPO Statute Compilations USLM converter, version 20210527.1
2021-12-03
Noise Control Act of 1972
888
92
1972-10-27
NOISE CONTROL ACT OF 19721
[As Amended Through P.L. 117–58, Enacted November 15, 2021]
[Currency: This publication is a compilation of the text of Public Law 92–574. It was last amended by the public law listed in the As Amended Through note above and below at the bottom of each page of the pdf version and reflects current law through the date of the enactment of the public law listed at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/comps/]
[Note: While this publication does not represent an official version of any Federal statute, substantial efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents. The official version of Federal law is found in the United States Statutes at Large and in the United States Code. The legal effect to be given to the Statutes at Large and the United States Code is established by statute (1 U.S.C. 112, 204).]

short title
Section 1.
This Act may be cited as the “Noise Control Act of 1972”.
^1
The Noise Control Act of 1972 (42 U.S.C. 4901–4918) consists of Public Law 92–574 (Oct. 27, 1972) and amendments made by subsequent enactments.
[42 U.S.C. 4901 note]

findings and policy
Sec. 2.
(a)
The Congress finds—
(1)
that inadequately controlled noise presents a growing danger to the health and welfare of the Nation's population, particularly in urban areas;
(2)
that the major sources of noise include transportation vehicles and equipment, machinery, appliances, and other products in commerce; and
(3)
that, while primary responsibility for control of noise rests with State and local governments, Federal action is essential to deal with major noise sources in commerce control of which require national uniformity of treatment.
(b)
The Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States to promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes their health or welfare. To that end, it is the purpose of this Act to establish a means for effective coordination of Federal research and activities in noise control, to authorize the establishment of Federal noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce, and to provide information to the public respecting the noise emission and noise reduction characteristics of such products.
[42 U.S.C. 4901]

definitions
Sec. 3.
For purposes of this Act:
(1)
The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(2)
The term “person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, or association, and (except as provided in sections 11(e) and 12(a)) includes any officer, employee, department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, a State, or any political subdivision of a State.
(3)
The term “product” means any manufactured article or goods or component thereof; except that such term does not include—
(A)
any aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance, as such terms are defined in section 101 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958;2 or
^2
Should refer to section 40102(a) of title 49, U.S.C., pursuant to section 6(b) of Public Law 103–272 (which codified certain transportation laws into title 49, U.S.C.).
(B)
(i)
any military weapons or equipment which are designed for combat use; (ii) any rockets or equipment which are designed for research, experimental, or developmental work to be performed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; or (iii) to the extent provided by regulations of the Administrator, any other machinery or equipment designed for use in experimental work done by or for the Federal Government.
(4)
The term “ultimate purchaser” means the first person who in good faith purchases a product for purposes other than resale.
(5)
The term “new product” means (A) a product the equitable or legal title of which has never been transferred to an ultimate purchaser, or (B) a product which is imported or offered for importation into the United States and which is manufactured after the effective date of a regulation under section 6 or section 8 which would have been applicable to such product had it been manufactured in the United States.
(6)
The term “manufacturer” means any person engaged in the manufacturing or assembling of new products, or the importing of new products for resale, or who acts for, and is controlled by, any such person in connection with the distribution of such products.
(7)
The term “commerce” means trade, traffic, commerce, or transportation—
(A)
between a place in a State and any place outside thereof, or
(B)
which affects trade, traffic, commerce, or transportation described in subparagraph (A).
(8)
The term “distribute in commerce” means sell in, offer for sale in, or introduce or deliver for introduction into, commerce.
(9)
The term “State” includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
(10)
The term “Federal agency” means an executive agency (as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code) and includes the United States Postal Service.
(11)
The term “environmental noise” means the intensity, duration, and the character of sounds from all sources.
[42 U.S.C. 4902]

federal programs
Sec. 4.
(a)
The Congress authorizes and directs that Federal agencies shall, to the fullest extent consistent with their authority under Federal laws administered by them, carry out the programs within their control in such a manner as to further the policy declared in section 2(b).
(b)
Each department, agency, or instrumentality of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Federal Government—
(1)
having jurisdiction over any property or facility, or
(2)
engaged in any activity resulting, or which may result, in the emission of noise,
shall comply with Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements respecting control and abatement of environmental noise to the same extent that any person is subject to such requirements. The President may exempt any single activity or facility, including noise emission sources or classes thereof, of any department, agency, or instrumentality in the executive branch from compliance with any such requirement if he determines it to be in the paramount interest of the United States to do so; except that no exemption, other than for those products referred to in section 3(3)(B) of this Act, may be granted from the requirements of sections 6, 17, and 18 of this Act. No such exemption shall be granted due to lack of appropriation unless the President shall have specifically requested such appropriation as a part of the budgetary process and the Congress shall have failed to make available such requested appropriation. Any exemption shall be for a period not in excess of one year, but additional exemptions may be granted for periods of not to exceed one year upon the President's making a new determination. The President shall report each January to the Congress all exemptions from the requirements of this section granted during the preceding calendar year, together with his reason for granting such exemption.
(c)
(1)
The Administrator shall coordinate the programs of all Federal agencies relating to noise research and noise control. Each Federal agency shall, upon request, furnish to the Administrator such information as he may reasonably require to determine the nature, scope, and results of the noise-research and noise-control programs of the agency.
(2)
Each Federal agency shall consult with the Administrator in prescribing standards or regulations respecting noise. If at any time the Administrator has reason to believe that a standard or regulation, or any proposed standard or regulation, of any Federal agency respecting noise does not protect the public health and welfare to the extent he believes to be required and feasible, he may request such agency to review and report to him on the advisability of revising such standard or regulation to provide such protection. Any such request may be published in the Federal Register and shall be accompanied by a detailed statement of the information on which it is based. Such agency shall complete the requested review and report to the Administrator within such time as the Administrator specifies in the request, but such time specified may not be less than ninety days from the date the request was made. The report shall be published in the Federal Register and shall be accompanied by a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the agency respecting the revision of its standard or regulation. With respect to the Federal Aviation Administration, section 611 of the Federal Aviation Act of 19583 (as amended by section 7 of this Act) shall apply in lieu of this paragraph.
^3
Should refer to section 44715 of title 49, U.S.C. See footnote under section 3(3)(A).
(3)
On the basis of regular consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, the Administrator shall compile and publish, from time to time, a report on the status and progress of Federal activities relating to noise research and noise control. This report shall describe the noise-control programs of each Federal agency and assess the contributions of those programs to the Federal Government's overall efforts to control noise.
[42 U.S.C. 4903]

identification of major noise sources; noise criteria and control technology
Sec. 5.
(a)
(1)
The Administrator shall, after consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and within nine months of the date of the enactment of this Act, develop and publish criteria with respect to noise. Such criteria shall reflect the scientific knowledge most useful in indicating the kind and extent of all identifiable effects on the public health or welfare which may be expected from differing quantities and qualities of noise.
(2)
The Administrator shall, after consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and within twelve months of the date of the enactment of this Act, publish information on the levels of environmental noise the attainment and maintenance of which in defined areas under various conditions are requisite to protect the public health and welfare with an adequate margin of safety.
(b)
The Administrator shall, after consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, compile and publish a report or series of reports (1) identifying products (or classes of products) which in his judgment are major sources of noise, and (2) giving information on techniques for control of noise from such products, including available data on the technology, costs, and alternative methods of noise control. The first such report shall be published not later than eighteen months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(c)
The Administrator shall from time to time review and, as appropriate, revise or supplement any criteria or reports published under this section.
(d)
Any report (or revision thereof) under subsection (b)(1) identifying major noise sources shall be published in the Federal Register. The publication or revision under this section of any criteria or information on control techniques shall be announced in the Federal Register, and copies shall be made available to the general public.
[42 U.S.C. 4904]

noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce
Sec. 6.
(a)
(1)
The Administrator shall publish proposed regulations, meeting the requirements of subsection (c), for each product—
(A)
which is identified (or is part of a class identified) in any report published under section 5(b)(1) as a major source of noise,
(B)
for which, in his judgment, noise emission standards are feasible, and
(C)
which falls in one of the following categories:
(i)
Construction equipment.
(ii)
Transportation equipment (including recreational vehicles and related equipment).
(iii)
Any motor or engine (including any equipment of which an engine or motor is an integral part).
(iv)
Electrical or electronic equipment.
(2)
(A)
Initial proposed regulations under paragraph (1) shall be published not later than eighteen months after the date of enactment of this Act, and shall apply to any product described in paragraph (1) which is identified (or is a part of a class identified) as a major source of noise in any report published under section 5(b)(1) on or before the date of publication of such initial proposed regulations.
(B)
In the case of any product described in paragraph (1) which is identified (or is part of a class identified) as a major source of noise in a report published under section 5(b)(1) after publication of the initial proposed regulations under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, regulations under paragraph (1) for such product shall be proposed and published by the Administrator not later than eighteen months after such report is published.
(3)
After proposed regulations respecting a product have been published under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall, unless in his judgment noise emission standards are not feasible for such product, prescribe regulations, meeting the requirements of subsection (c), for such product—
(A)
not earlier than six months after publication of such proposed regulations, and
(B)
not later than—
(i)
twenty-four months after the date of enactment of this Act, in the case of a product subject to proposed regulations published under paragraph (2)(A), or
(ii)
in the case of any other product, twenty-four months after the publication of the report under section 5(b)(1) identifying it (or a class of products of which it is a part) as a major source of noise.
(b)
The Administrator may publish proposed regulations, meeting the requirements of subsection (c), for any product for which he is not required by subsection (a) to prescribe regulations but for which, in his judgment, noise emission standards are feasible and are requisite to protect the public health and welfare. Not earlier than six months after the date of publication of such proposed regulations respecting such product, he may prescribe regulations, meeting the requirements of subsection (c), for such product.
(c)
(1)
Any regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section (and any revision thereof) respecting a product shall include a noise emission standard which shall set limits on noise emissions from such product and shall be a standard which in the Administrator's judgment, based on criteria published under section 5, is requisite to protect the public health and welfare, taking into account the magnitude and conditions of use of such product (alone or in combination with other noise sources), the degree of noise reduction achievable through the application of the best available technology and the cost of compliance. In establishing such a standard for any product, the Administrator shall give appropriate consideration to standards under other laws designed to safeguard the health and welfare of persons, including any standards under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 19664, the Clean Air Act, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Any such noise emission standards shall be a performance standard. In addition, any regulation under subsection (a) or (b) (and any revision thereof) may contain testing procedures necessary to assure compliance with the emission standard in such regulation, and may contain provisions respecting instructions of the manufacturer for the maintenance, use, or repair of the product.
^4
Should refer to chapter 301 of title 49, U.S.C. See footnote under section 3(3)(A).
(2)
After publication of any proposed regulations under this section, the Administrator shall allow interested persons an opportunity to participate in rulemaking in accordance with the first sentence of section 553(c) of title 5, United States Code.
(3)
The Administrator may revise any regulation prescribed by him under this section by (A) publication of proposed revised regulations, and (B) the promulgation, not earlier than six months after the date of such publication, of regulations making the revision; except that a revision which makes only technical or clerical corrections in a regulation under this section may be promulgated earlier than six months after such date if the Administrator finds that such earlier promulgation is in the public interest.
(d)
(1)
On and after the effective date of any regulation prescribed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, the manufacturer of each new product to which such regulation applies shall warrant to the ultimate purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that such product is designed, built, and equipped so as to conform at the time of sale with such regulation.
(2)
Any cost obligation of any dealer incurred as a result of any requirement imposed by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be borne by the manufacturer. The transfer of any such cost obligation from a manufacturer to any dealer through franchise or other agreement is prohibited.
(3)
If a manufacturer includes in any advertisement a statement respecting the cost or value of noise emission control devices or systems, such manufacturer shall set forth in such statement the cost or value attributed to such devices or systems by the Secretary of Labor (through the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The Secretary of Labor and his representatives, shall have the same access for this purpose to the books, documents, papers, and records of a manufacturer as the Comptroller General has to those of a recipient of assistance for purposes of section 311 of the Clean Air Act.
(e)
(1)
No State or political subdivision thereof may adopt or enforce—
(A)
with respect to any new product for which a regulation has been prescribed by the Administrator under this section, any law or regulation which sets a limit on noise emissions from such new product and which is not identical to such regulation of the Administrator; or
(B)
with respect to any component incorporated into such new product by the manufacturer of such product, any law or regulation setting a limit on noise emissions from such component when so incorporated.
(2)
Subject to sections 17 and 18, nothing in this section precludes or denies the right of any State or political subdivision thereof to establish and enforce controls on environmental noise (or one or more sources thereof) through the licensing, regulation, or restriction of the use, operation, or movement of any product or combination of products.
(f)
At any time after the promulgation of regulations respecting a product under this section, a State or political subdivision thereof may petition the Administrator to revise such standard on the grounds that a more stringent standard under subsection (c) of this section is necessary to protect the public health and welfare. The Administration shall publish notice of receipt of such petition in the Federal Register and shall within ninety days of receipt of such petition respond by (1) publication of proposed revised regulations in accordance with subsection (c)(3) of this section, or (2) publication in the Federal Register of a decision not to publish such proposed revised regulations at that time, together with a detailed explanation for such decision.
[42 U.S.C. 4905]

aircraft noise standards
Sec. 7.
(a)
The Administrator, after consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies and interested persons, shall conduct a study of the (1) adequacy of Federal Aviation Administration flight and operational noise controls; (2) adequacy of noise emission standards on new and existing aircraft, together with recommendations on the retrofitting and phaseout of existing aircraft; (3) implications of identifying and achieving levels of cumulative noise exposure around airports; and (4) additional measures available to airport operators and local governments to control aircraft noise. He shall report on such study to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Commerce and Public Works of the Senate within nine months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b)
[Amended section 611 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958.]
[42 U.S.C. 4906]

labeling
Sec. 8.
(a)
The Administrator shall by regulation designate any product (or class thereof)—
(1)
which emits noise capable of adversely affecting the public health or welfare; or
(2)
which is sold wholly or in part on the basis of its effectiveness in reducing noise.
(b)
For each product (or class thereof) designated under subsection (a) the Administrator shall by regulation require that notice be given to the prospective user of the level of the noise the product emits, or of its effectiveness in reducing noise, as the case may be. Such regulations shall specify (1) whether such notice shall be affixed to the product or to the outside of its container, or to both, at the time of its sale to the ultimate purchaser or whether such notice shall be given to the prospective user in some other manner, (2) the form of the notice, and (3) the methods and units of measurement to be used. Section 6(c)(2) shall apply to the prescribing of any regulation under this section.
(c)
This section does not prevent any State or political subdivision thereof from regulating product labeling or information respecting products in any way not in conflict with regulations prescribed by the Administrator under this section.
[42 U.S.C. 4907]

imports
Sec. 9.
The Secretary of the Treasury shall, in consultation with the Administrator, issue regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act with respect to new products imported or offered for importation.
[42 U.S.C. 4908]

prohibited acts
Sec. 10.
(a)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), the following acts or the causing thereof are prohibited:
(1)
In the case of a manufacturer, to distribute in commerce any new product manufactured after the effective date of a regulation prescribed under section 6 which is applicable to such product, except in conformity with such regulation.
(2)
(A)
The removal or rendering inoperative by any person, other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or replacement, of any device or element of design incorporated into any product in compliance with regulations under section 6, prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use, or (B) the use of a product after such device or element of design has been removed or rendered inoperative by any person.
(3)
In the case of a manufacturer, to distribute in commerce any new product manufactured after the effective date of a regulation prescribed under section 8(b) (requiring information respecting noise) which is applicable to such product, except in conformity with such regulation.
(4)
The removal by any person of any notice affixed to a product or container pursuant to regulations prescribed under section 8(b), prior to sale of the product to the ultimate purchaser.
(5)
The importation into the United States by any person of any new product in violation of a regulation prescribed under section 9 which is applicable to such product.
(6)
The failure or refusal by any person to comply with any requirement of section 11(d) or 13(a) or regulations prescribed under section 13(a), 17, or 18.
(b)
(1)
For the purpose of research, investigations, studies, demonstrations, or training, or for reasons of national security, the Administrator may exempt for a specified period of time any product, or class thereof, from paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (5) of subsection (a), upon such terms and conditions as he may find necessary to protect the public health or welfare.
(2)
Paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to any product which is manufactured solely for use outside any State and which (and the container of which) is labeled or otherwise marked to show that it is manufactured solely for use outside any State; except that such paragraphs shall apply to such product if it is in fact distributed in commerce for use in any State.
[42 U.S.C. 4909]

enforcement
Sec. 11.
(a)
(1)
Any person who willfully or knowingly violates paragraph (1), (3), (5), or (6) of subsection (a) of section 10 of this Act shall be punished by a fine of not more than $25,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by both. If the conviction is for a violation committed after a first conviction of such person under this subsection, punishment shall be by a fine of not more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment for not more than two years, or by both.
(2)
Any person who violates paragraph (1), (3), (5), or (6) of subsection (a) of section 10 of this Act shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per day of such violation.
(b)
For the purpose of this section, each day of violation of any paragraph of section 10(a) shall constitute a separate violation of that section.
(c)
The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction of actions brought by and in the name of the United States to restrain any violations of section 10(a) of this Act.
(d)
(1)
Whenever any person is in violation of section 10(a) of this Act, the Administrator may issue an order specifying such relief as he determines is necessary to protect the public health and welfare.
(2)
Any order under this subsection shall be issued only after notice and opportunity for a hearing in accordance with section 554 of title 5 of the United States Code.
(e)
The term “person,” as used in this section, does not include a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States.
[42 U.S.C. 4910]

citizen suits
Sec. 12.
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b), any person (other than the United States) may commence a civil action on his own behalf—
(1)
against any person (including (A) the United States, and (B) any other governmental instrumentality or agency to the extent permitted by the eleventh amendment to the Constitution) who is alleged to be in violation of any noise control requirement (as defined in subsection (e)5), or
^5
So in law. Probably should refer to subsection (f).
(2)
against—
(A)
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency where there is alleged a failure of such Administrator to perform any act or duty under this Act which is not discretionary with such Administrator, or
(B)
the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration where there is alleged a failure of such Administrator to perform any act or duty under section 611 of the Federal Aviation Act of 19586 which is not discretionary with such Administrator.
^6
Should refer to section 44715 of title 49, U.S.C. See footnote under section 3(3)(A).
The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy, to restrain such person from violating such noise control requirement or to order such Administrator to perform such act or duty, as the case may be.
(b)
No action may be commenced—
(1)
under subsection (a)(1)—
(A)
prior to sixty days after the plaintiff has given notice of the violation (i) to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (and to the Federal Aviation Administrator in the case of a violation of a noise control requirement under such section 6116) and (ii) to any alleged violator of such requirement, or
(B)
if an Administrator has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil action to require compliance with the noise control requirement, but in any such action in a court of the United States any person may intervene as a matter of right, or
(2)
under subsection (a)(2) prior to sixty days after the plaintiff has given notice to the defendant that he will commence such action.
Notice under this subsection shall be given in such manner as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall prescribe by regulation.
(c)
In an action under this section, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, if not a party, may intervene as a matter of right. In an action under this section respecting a noise control requirement under section 611 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958,6 the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, if not a party, may also intervene as a matter of right.
(d)
The court, in issuing any final order in any action brought pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, may award costs of litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to any party, whenever the court determines such an award is appropriate.
(e)
Nothing in this section shall restrict any right which any person (or class of persons) may have under any statute or common law to seek enforcement of any noise control requirement or to seek any other relief (including relief against an Administrator).
(f)
For purposes of this section, the term “noise control requirement” means paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 10(a), or a standard, rule, or regulation issued under section 17 or 18 of this Act or under section 611 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958.7
^7
Should refer to section 44715 of title 49, U.S.C. See footnote under section 3(3)(A).
[42 U.S.C. 4911]

records, reports, and information
Sec. 13.
(a)
Each manufacturer of a product to which regulations under section 6 or section 8 apply shall—
(1)
establish and maintain such records, make such reports, provide such information, and make such tests, as the Administrator may reasonably require to enable him to determine whether such manufacturer has acted or is acting in compliance with this Act.
(2)
upon request of an officer or employee duly designated by the Administrator, permit such officer or employee at reasonable times to have access to such information and the results of such tests and to copy such records, and
(3)
to the extent required by regulations of the Administrator, make products coming off the assembly line or otherwise in the hands of the manufacturer available for testing by the Administrator.
(b)
(1)
All information obtained by the Administrator or his representatives pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, which information contains or relates to a trade secret or other matter referred to in section 1905 of title 18 of the United States Code, shall be considered confidential for the purpose of that section, except that such information may be disclosed to other Federal officers or employees, in whose possession it shall remain confidential, or when relevant to the matter in controversy in any proceeding under this Act.
(2)
Nothing in this subsection shall authorize the withholding of information by the Administrator, or by any officers or employees under his control, from the duly authorized committees of the Congress.
(c)
Any person who knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any application, record, report, plan, or other document filed or required to be maintained under this Act or who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this Act, shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both.
[42 U.S.C. 4912]

quiet communities, research, public information
Sec. 14.
To promote the development of effective State and local noise control programs, to provide an adequate Federal noise control research program designed to meet the objectives of this Act, and to otherwise carry out the policy of this Act, the Administrator shall, in cooperation with other Federal agencies and through the use of grants, contracts, and direct Federal actions—
(a)
develop and disseminate information and educational materials to all segments of the public on the public health and other effects of noise and the most effective means for noise control, through the use of materials for school curricula, volunteer organizations, radio and television programs, publication, and other means;
(b)
conduct or finance research directly or with any public or private organization or any person on the effects, measurement, and control of noise, including but not limited to—
(1)
investigation of the psychological and physiological effects of noise on humans and the effects of noise on domestic animals, wildlife, and property, and the determination of dose/response relationships suitable for use in decisionmaking, with special emphasis on the nonauditory effects of noise;
(2)
investigation, development, and demonstration of noise control technology for products subject to possible regulation under sections 6, 7,8 and 8 of this Act;
^8
Reference to section 7 of this Act should be a reference to section 44715 of title 49, U.S.C. See footnote under section 3(3)(A).
(3)
investigation, development, and demonstration of monitoring equipment and other technology especially suited for use by State and local noise control programs;
(4)
investigation of the economic impact of noise on property and human activities; and
(5)
investigation and demonstration of the use of economic incentives (including emission charges) in the control of noise;
(c)
administer a nationwide Quiet Communities Program which shall include, but not be limited to—
(1)
grants to States, local governments, and authorized regional planning agencies for the purpose of—
(A)
identifying and determining the nature and extent of the noise problem within the subject jurisdiction;
(B)
planning, developing, and establishing a noise control capacity in such jurisdiction, including purchasing initial equipment;
(C)
developing abatement plans for areas around major transportation facilities (including airports, highways, and rail yards) and other major stationary sources of noise, and, where appropriate, for the facility or source itself; and
(D)
evaluating techniques for controlling noise (including institutional arrangements) and demonstrating the best available techniques in such jurisdiction;
(2)
purchase of monitoring and other equipment for loan to State and local noise control programs to meet special needs or assist in the beginning implementation of a noise control program or project;
(3)
development and implementation of a quality assurance program for equipment and monitoring procedures of State and local noise control programs to help communities assure that their data collection activities are accurate;
(4)
conduct of studies and demonstrations to determine the resource and personnel needs of States and local governments required for the establishment and implementation of effective noise abatement and control programs; and
(5)
development of educational and training materials and programs, including national and regional workshops, to support State and local noise abatement and control programs;
except that no actions, plans or programs hereunder shall be inconsistent with existing Federal authority under this Act to regulate sources of noise in interstate commerce;
(d)
develop and implement a national noise environmental assessment program to identify trends in noise exposure and response, ambient levels, and compliance data and to determine otherwise the effectiveness of noise abatement actions through the collection of physical, social, and human response data;
(e)
establish regional technical assistance centers which use the capabilities of university and private organizations to assist State and local noise control programs;
(f)
provide technical assistance to State and local governments to facilitate their development and enforcement of noise control, including direct onsite assistance of agency or other personnel with technical expertise, and preparation of model State or local legislation for noise control; and
(g)
provide for the maximum use in programs assisted under this section of senior citizens and persons eligible for participation in programs under the Older Americans Act.
[42 U.S.C. 4913]

development of low-noise-emission products
Sec. 15.
(a)
For the purpose of this section:
(1)
The term “Committee” means the Low-Noise-Emission Product Advisory Committee.
(2)
The term “Federal Government” includes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the Government of the United States, and the government of the District of Columbia.
(3)
The term “low-noise-emission product” means any product which emits noise in amounts significantly below the levels specified in noise emission standards under regulations applicable under section 6 at the time of procurement to that type of product.
(4)
The term “retail price” means (A) the maximum statutory price applicable to any type of product; or (B) in any case where there is no applicable maximum statutory price, the most recent procurement price paid for any type of product.
(b)
(1)
The Administrator shall determine which products qualify as low-noise-emission products in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(2)
The Administrator shall certify any product—
(A)
for which a certification application has been filed in accordance with paragraph (5)(A) of this subsection;
(B)
which is a low-noise-emission product as determined by the Administrator; and
(C)
which he determines is suitable for use as a substitute for a type of product at that time in use by agencies of the Federal Government.
(3)
The Administrator may establish a Low-Noise-Emission Product Advisory Committee to assist him in determining which products qualify as low-noise-emission products for purposes of this section. The Committee shall include the Administrator or his designee, a representative of the National Bureau of Standards,9 and representatives of such other Federal agencies and private individuals as the Administrator may deem necessary from time to time. Any member of the Committee not employed on a full-time basis by the United States may receive the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect for grade GS–18 of the General Schedule for each day such member is engaged upon work of the Committee. Each member of the Committee shall be reimbursed for travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, for persons in the Government service employed intermittently.
^9
The reference in subsection (b)(3) to the National Bureau of Standards is deemed to refer to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, pursuant to section 5115(c) of Public Law 100–418.
(4)
Certification under this section shall be effective for a period of one year from the date of issuance.
(5)
(A)
Any person seeking to have a class or model of product certified under this section shall file a certification application in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Administrator.
(B)
The Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of each application received.
(C)
The Administrator shall make determinations for the purposes of this section in accordance with procedures prescribed by him by regulation.
(D)
The Administrator shall conduct whatever investigation is necessary, including actual inspection of the product at a place designated in regulations prescribed under subparagraph (A).
(E)
The Administrator shall receive and evaluate written comments and documents from interested persons in support of, or in opposition to, certification of the class or model of product under consideration.
(F)
Within ninety days after the receipt of a properly filed certification application the Administrator shall determine whether such product is a low-noise-emission product for purposes of this section. If the Administrator determines that such product is a low-noise-emission product, then within one hundred and eighty days of such determination the Administrator shall reach a decision as to whether such product is a suitable substitute for any class or classes of products presently being purchased by the Federal Government for use by its agencies.
(G)
Immediately upon making any determination or decision under subparagraph (F), the Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register notice of such determination or decision, including reasons therefor.
(c)
(1)
Certified low-noise-emission products shall be acquired by purchase or lease by the Federal Government for use by the Federal Government in lieu of other products if the Administrator of General Services determines that such certified products have procurement costs which are no more than 125 per centum of the retail price of the least expensive type of product for which they are certified substitutes.
(2)
Data relied upon by the Administrator in determining that a product is a certified low-noise-emission product shall be incorporated in any contract for the procurement of such product.
(d)
The procuring agency shall be required to purchase available certified low-noise-emission products which are eligible for purchase to the extent they are available before purchasing any other products for which any low-noise-emission product is a certified substitute. In making purchasing selections between competing eligible certified low-noise-emission products, the procuring agency shall give priority to any class or model which does not require extensive periodic maintenance to retain its low-noise-emission qualities or which does not involve operating costs significantly in excess of those products for which it is a certified substitute.
(e)
For the purpose of procuring certified low-noise-emission products any statutory price limitations shall be waived.
(f)
The Administrator shall, from time to time as he deems appropriate, test the emissions of noise from certified low-noise-emission products purchased by the Federal Government. If at any time he finds that the noise-emission levels exceed the levels on which certification under this section was based, the Administrator shall give the supplier of such product written notice of this finding, issue public notice of it, and give the supplier an opportunity to make necessary repairs, adjustments, or replacements. If no such repairs, adjustments, or replacements are made within a period to be set by the Administrator, he may order the supplier to show cause why the product involved should be eligible for recertification.
(g)
There are authorized to be appropriated for paying additional amounts for products pursuant to, and for carrying out the provisions of this section, $1,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1973, and $2,000,000 for each of the two succeeding fiscal years, $2,200,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, $550,000 for the transition period of July 1, 1976, through September 30, 1976, and $2,420,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1977.
(h)
The Administrator shall promulgate the procedures required to implement this section within one hundred and eighty days after the date of enactment of this Act.
[42 U.S.C. 4914]

judicial review; witnesses
Sec. 16.
(a)
A petition for review of action of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in promulgating any standard or regulation under section 6, 17, or 18 of this Act or any labeling regulation under section 8 of this Act may be filed only in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and a petition for review of action of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in promulgating any standard or regulation under section 611 of the Federal Aviation Act of 195810 may be filed only in such court. Any such petition shall be filed within ninety days from the date of such promulgation, or after such date if such petition is based solely on grounds arising after such ninetieth day. Action of either Administrator with respect to which review could have been obtained under this subsection shall not be subject to judicial review in civil or criminal proceedings for enforcement.
^{10}
Should refer to section 44715 of title 49, U.S.C. See footnote under section 3(3)(A).
(b)
If a party seeking review under this Act applies to the court for leave to adduce additional evidence, and shows to the satisfaction of the court that the information is material and was not available at the time of the proceeding before the Administrator of such Agency or Administration (as the case may be), the court may order such additional evidence (and evidence in rebuttal thereof) to be taken before such Administrator, and to be adduced upon the hearing, in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as the court may deem proper. Such Administrator may modify his findings as to the facts, or make new findings, by reason of the additional evidence so taken, and he shall file with the court such modified or new findings, and his recommendation, if any, for the modification or setting aside of his original order, with the return of such additional evidence.
(c)
With respect to relief pending review of an action by either Administrator, no stay of an agency action may be granted unless the reviewing court determines that the party seeking such stay is (1) likely to prevail on the merits in the review proceeding and (2) will suffer irreparable harm pending such proceeding.
(d)
For the purpose of obtaining information to carry out this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may issue subpenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of relevant papers, books, and documents, and he may administer oaths. Witnesses summoned shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the United States. In cases of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpena served upon any person under this subsection, the district court of the United States for any district in which such person is found or resides or transacts business, upon application by the United States and after notice to such person, shall have jurisdiction to issue an order requiring such person to appear and give testimony before the Administrator, to appear and produce papers, books, and documents before the Administrator, or both, and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.
[42 U.S.C. 4915]

railroad noise emission standards
Sec. 17.
(a)
(1)
Within nine months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish proposed noise emission regulations for surface carriers engaged in interstate commerce by railroad. Such proposed regulations shall include noise emission standards setting such limits on noise emissions resulting from operation of the equipment and facilities of surface carriers engaged in interstate commerce by railroad which reflect the degree of noise reduction achievable through the application of the best available technology, taking into account the cost of compliance. These regulations shall be in addition to any regulations that may be proposed under section 6 of this Act.
(2)
Within ninety days after the publication of such regulations as may be proposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection, and subject to the provisions of section 16 of this Act, the Administrator shall promulgate final regulations. Such regulations may be revised, from time to time, in accordance with this subsection.
(3)
Any standard or regulation, or revision thereof, proposed under this subsection shall be promulgated only after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation in order to assure appropriate consideration for safety and technological availability.
(4)
Any regulation or revision thereof promulgated under this subsection shall take effect after such period as the Administrator finds necessary, after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to permit the development and application of the requisite technology, giving appropriate consideration to the cost of compliance within such period.
(b)
The Secretary of Transportation, after consultation with the Administrator, shall promulgate regulations to insure compliance with all standards promulgated by the Administrator under this section. The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out such regulations through the use of his powers and duties of enforcement and inspection authorized by subtitle V of title 49, United States Code. Regulations promulgated under this section shall be subject to the provisions of sections 10, 11, 12, and 16 of this Act.
(c)

High-speed Train Noise Emissions.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Administrator, may prescribe regulations governing railroad-related noise emission standards for trains operating on the general railroad system of transportation at speeds exceeding 160 miles per hour, including noise related to magnetic levitation systems and other new technologies not traditionally associated with railroads.
(2)

Factors in rulemaking.—
The regulations prescribed pursuant to paragraph (1) may—
(A)
consider variances in maximum pass-by noise with respect to the speed of the equipment;
(B)
account for current engineering best practices; and
(C)
encourage the use of noise mitigation techniques to the extent reasonable if the benefits exceed the costs.
(3)

Conventional-speed trains.—
Railroad-related noise regulations prescribed under subsection (a) shall continue to govern noise emissions from the operation of trains, including locomotives and rail cars, when operating at speeds not exceeding 160 miles per hour.
(d)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) but notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, after the effective date of a regulation under this section applicable to noise emissions resulting from the operation of any equipment or facility of a surface carrier engaged in interstate commerce by railroad, no State or political subdivision thereof may adopt or enforce any standard applicable to noise emissions resulting from the operation of the same equipment or facility of such carrier unless such standard is identical to a standard applicable to noise emissions resulting from such operation prescribed by any regulation under this section.
(2)
Nothing in this section shall diminish or enhance the rights of any State or political subdivision thereof to establish and enforce standards or controls on levels of environmental noise, or to control, license, regulate, or restrict the use, operation, or movement of any product if the Administrator, after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, determines that such standard, control, license, regulation, or restriction is necessitated by special local conditions and is not in conflict with regulations promulgated under this section.
(e)
The terms “carrier” and “railroad” as used in this section shall have the same meaning as the term “railroad carrier” has in section 20102 of title 49, United States Code.
[42 U.S.C. 4916]

motor carrier noise emission standards
Sec. 18.
(a)
(1)
Within nine months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish proposed noise emission regulations for motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce. Such proposed regulations shall include noise emission standards setting such limits on noise emissions resulting from operation of motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce which reflect the degree of noise reduction achievable through the application of the best available technology, taking into account the cost of compliance. These regulations shall be in addition to any regulations that may be proposed under section 6 of this Act.
(2)
Within ninety days after the publication of such regulations as may be proposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection, and subject to the provisions of section 16 of this Act, the Administrator shall promulgate final regulations. Such regulations may be revised from time to time, in accordance with this subsection.
(3)
Any standard or regulation, or revision thereof, proposed under this subsection shall be promulgated only after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation in order to assure appropriate consideration for safety and technological availability.
(4)
Any regulation or revision thereof promulgated under this subsection shall take effect after such period as the Administrator finds necessary, after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to permit the development and application of the requisite technology, giving appropriate consideration to the cost of compliance within such period.
(b)
The Secretary of Transportation, after consultation with the Administrator shall promulgate regulations to insure compliance with all standards promulgated by the Administrator under this section. The Secretary of Transportation shall carry out such regulations through the use of his powers and duties of enforcement and inspection authorized by the Interstate Commerce Act 11 and the Department of Transportation Act. Regulations promulgated under this section shall be subject to the provisions of sections 10, 11, 12, and 16 of this Act.
^{11}
Should refer to subtitle IV of title 49, U.S.C. See footnote on previous page.
(c)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection but notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, after the effective date of a regulation under this section applicable to noise emissions resulting from the operation of any motor carrier engaged in interstate commerce, no State or political subdivision thereof may adopt or enforce any standard applicable to the same operation of such motor carrier, unless such standard is identical to a standard applicable to noise emissions resulting from such operation prescribed by any regulation under this section.
(2)
Nothing in this section shall diminish or enhance the rights of any State or political subdivision thereof to establish and enforce standards or controls on levels of environmental noise, or to control, license, regulate, or restrict the use, operation, or movement of any product if the Administrator, after consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, determines that such standard, control, license, regulation, or restriction is necessitated by special local conditions and is not in conflict with regulations promulgated under this section.
(d)
For purposes of this section, the term “motor carrier” includes a motor carrier and motor private carrier as those terms are defined in section 13102 of title 49, United States Code.
[42 U.S.C. 4917]

authorization of appropriations
Sec. 19.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act (other than for research and development) $15,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1979.
[42 U.S.C. 4918]