Queens Congresswoman Introduces Aircraft Noise Reduction Bill

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — Northeast Queens residents who have long complained of excessive aircraft noise may get some relief if Congress passes a bill introduced Friday by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng.

Meng, a Democrat who represents parts of Flushing and Bayside in Congress, unveiled legislation that would require the Federal Aviation Administration to lower the standard for acceptable noise levels in residential areas from 65 decibels to 55 decibels within 10 years, according to a press release.

If the bill passes, more residents would qualify for federal sound insulation programs to cut down on noise pollution in their homes, Meng's office said.

“Queens residents need relief from the blistering sounds of airplane noise over our borough, and lowering the DNL would help combat the problem,” Meng said in a statement. “It is unacceptable that excessive noise continues to affect quality of life in our communities."

The 65-decibel Day-Night Average Sound Level has been in place since the 1970s, when there were fewer aircrafts traveling through the sky, according to Meng's office.

Northeast Queens residents have long complained of aircraft noise keeping them awake and triggering their anxiety and PTSD.