H.R. 898 — Aviation Noise and Emissions Mitigation Act

This section directs the EPA Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and other relevant federal agencies, to establish a three-year pilot grant program not later than 180 days after enactment to measure noise and emissions—including greenhouse gases, particulate matter, ultrafine particles, and air toxics—in communities near airports or air flight pathways. The program awards up to six grants of $2.5 million to $5 million each to eligible entities (i.e., institutions of higher education, nonprofit research or health entities, or local governments with demonstrated aviation noise or emissions research experience) that must (1) use technology for source-specific wedge analysis; (2) develop replicable monitoring methods; (3) produce neighborhood- and ZIP Code-level data to identify frontline and disproportionately impacted communities; (4) coordinate with local agencies, Tribal governments, and community organizations; (5) assist in mitigation strategies; (6) disseminate data regularly; and (7) consult the public. Grantees must submit annual reports to EPA, which makes them publicly available.

This section establishes a pilot grant program, to be administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Transportation, and other relevant federal agencies, not later than six months after submission of the final annual report under section 1(e), to mitigate aircraft or airport noise and emissions and their impacts in communities near airports and air flight pathways. The program prioritizes applications focusing on communities disproportionately impacted by aviation noise or emissions (as identified in section 1 research), disadvantaged communities with higher prevalence of environment-related diseases, and those demonstrating community support; eligible applicants include local community-based nonprofits, consortia from section 1 communities, local public health departments, or local or Indian Tribal governments (the latter requiring demonstrated community support and partnership with at least one nonprofit). Grant applications must demonstrate use of section 1 research; address environmental/health disparities in affected or disadvantaged communities using tools such as the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool; incorporate community input with a plan for ongoing engagement; and detail partnerships with local entities (e.g., public health departments, Tribal governments, health centers). Funds may be used for (1) noise mitigation such as weatherization, retrofitting, or energy efficiency upgrades with noise, environmental, or health benefits for low-income households, schools, or facilities ineligible for other federal resources; (2) environmental and public health programs addressing climate change effects on environmental justice communities; or (3) health care services and interventions targeting noise/pollution impacts on children, vulnerable populations, disadvantaged communities, and communities of color. Grants last 3 to 5 years. EPA must report annually after the first year of grants to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committees on Environment and Public Works and Commerce, Science, and Transportation, detailing services provided, beneficiaries, community engagement, service areas (aligned with section 1), and aggregate demographic/socioeconomic data; a report three years after the first grant assesses program effectiveness, identifies lessons learned, reviews incorporation of airport noise/pollution data into environmental justice mapping tools, and includes input from grantees and affected communities.