Bill > HR3804

This bill directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to conduct a comprehensive study on creating a grant program to help communities impacted by noise from Department of Defense (DoD) space launch activities. The study, to be completed within one year of enactment, must analyze the feasibility of a noise mitigation program by examining multiple technical and community-focused aspects. Specifically, the study will estimate funding requirements, recommend geographic eligibility criteria, suggest noise mitigation techniques, propose ways the Space Force can collaborate with local communities, and develop a community outreach program. The research will consider various noise measurement metrics, including sound levels, sonic booms, and vibration impacts, and will review data from federal launch ranges. The bill defines key terms such as "covered facilities" (which include hospitals, schools, and residences built before 2026) and "eligible communities" as local governments negatively affected by space launch noise. The underlying context is that while the commercial space launch industry is crucial for national security and provides critical services, the increasing number of launches can be disruptive to nearby communities, necessitating a structured approach to mitigate noise-related challenges.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3804/all-info