§4903 Federal Programs

Summary

Federal agencies must run their programs so they help the noise policy in section 4901(b). All departments, agencies, and other federal parts in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches that own property or do things that can make noise must follow federal, state, interstate, and local noise rules just like any other person. The President can excuse a single executive-branch activity or facility from those rules if he finds it is in the nation’s paramount interest. Any such exemption can last no more than one year, but the President can renew it each year with a new decision. No exemption (except for products named in section 4902(3)(B)) may remove the requirements in sections 4905, 4916, or 4917. An exemption cannot be based on lack of funding unless the President asked for the money in the budget and Congress did not provide it. Each January the President must tell Congress about all exemptions given in the prior calendar year and explain why. The Administrator must coordinate federal noise research and control programs. Agencies must give the Administrator information when asked and must consult the Administrator when making noise standards or rules. If the Administrator believes a rule does not protect public health and welfare as needed and feasible, he may ask the agency to review it, publish the request and reasons, and get a written report back within a time the Administrator sets (not less than 90 days). The Federal Aviation Administration follows 49 U.S.C. 44715 instead of this review process. The Administrator must also publish periodic reports on the status and progress of federal noise programs.