Negating Neighborhood Noise Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
Introduced
Summary
Would allow limited Highway Trust Fund use for certain Type II noise barriers. It would expand Surface Transportation Block Grant eligibility to fund planning, design, preservation, or construction of those barriers and let states approve multipurpose barriers that host renewable energy, electrical transmission, or broadband while requiring aesthetics be considered under the Federal Highway Administration's Noise Barrier Design Handbook.
Show full summary
- Nearby residents could see new or preserved Type II noise barriers when neighborhoods meet the bill's age or development tests, increasing local protection from highway noise.
- State transportation agencies would gain flexibility to use Surface Transportation Block Grant funds for these projects and to approve secondary uses in the highway right-of-way.
- Renewable energy developers, electric transmission planners, and broadband providers could use barrier space or conduit on multipurpose barriers as new corridor locations for panels, lines, or fiber.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal grants for local noise barriers
If enacted, planning, design, preservation, and construction of Type II noise barriers would be eligible for Surface Transportation Block Grant funds. Barriers must meet the federal Type II definition in 23 C.F.R. § 772.5 and must be consistent with the exceptions in section 339(b) of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995. States, metropolitan planning organizations, and local governments would be able to use STBG money for these activities beginning upon enactment.
Highway Trust Fund access for barriers
If enacted, Highway Trust Fund money would be allowed to pay for some Type II noise barriers when one of three tests is met. Test one: the barrier was not part of a project approved before November 28, 1995. Test two: the barrier is proposed along land that was developed or under substantial construction before the highway right-of-way was acquired. Test three: the Secretary determines the barrier separates the highway from a group of structures where most closest structures are residential and at least 10 years old when proposed. Barriers must meet the Type II definition in 23 C.F.R. § 772.5.
Multipurpose and aesthetic noise barriers
If enacted, project sponsors constructing or preserving FHWA-funded noise barriers would have to consider aesthetics consistent with the latest Noise Barrier Design Handbook. The Secretary would be required to allow noise barriers built or preserved under section 339(b) or with title 23 funds to be multipurpose. A State, acting for the Secretary, could approve secondary beneficial uses within the highway right-of-way. Secondary uses would include hosting renewable energy generation, electrical transmission or distribution, or broadband infrastructure and conduit.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
GA • D
Cosponsors
Himes
CT • D
Sponsored 5/7/2026
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 5/7/2026
Casten
IL • D
Sponsored 5/7/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov