[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E175-E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE DECREASE NOISE LEVEL ACT

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                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2020

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction of 
the Decrease Noise Level Act.
  For millions of Americans, noise from aircraft is a constant source 
of torment, whether they live right near an airport or under a regular 
flight path. Chronic exposure to excessive noise can lead to sleep 
deprivation, task interruptions, among other negative consequences, 
which result in untold costs on society in diminished work 
productivity.
  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently uses a Day-Night 
average noise level to assess the level at which noise exposure becomes 
``significant'' in residential communities. However, the level that the 
FAA has currently deemed acceptable is 65, a full 10 decibels higher 
than what Europe allows.
  FAA's use of 65 DNL as ``significant' is based on severe and 
immediate health impacts, at which point damage has already been done. 
It is essential that the FAA considers quality of life, long-term 
health impacts, home values, and overall economic impact. I believe 
reasonable noise congestion levels should be based on a standard that 
falls well before the point at which long-term health is impacted.
  That is why I am introducing the Decrease Noise Level (DNL) Act--a 
bill that would require the FAA to immediately lower the level of noise 
that is considered ``significant'' to 60, and create a plan to lower it 
to 55 within 10 years. It would also require community outreach from 
the FAA to promote its recent study that considers alternatives to the 
DNL as a metric to measure noise.
  I urge my colleagues to join me to pass this important legislation.

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