Norton Requests Comprehensive GAO Study on Railway Noise Pollution

June 23, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — As ranking member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today wrote the Comptroller General of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting that it conduct a comprehensive study on the causes and effects of railway noise pollution. Additionally, Norton asked GAO to propose ways that the federal government can reduce the negative effects of railway noise pollution. The request is similar to a bill Norton reintroduced in April to require the GAO to submit recommendations to Congress on how to reduce train noise and vibrations near homes. "D.C. residents contact me regularly about the negative impacts train noise and vibrations have on their health, quality of life and even the structural integrity of their homes," Norton said. "Although trains provide an essential mode of transportation, we can’t simply ignore the harms suffered by those who live near them, which can include structural damage, reduced property values and negative health effects. We must examine whether there are viable, cost-effective ways to mitigate the harms caused by long-term exposure to train noise and vibrations." Norton’s letter follows, with personal contact information redacted. June 23, 2025 The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro Comptroller General U.S. Government Accountability Office 441 G Street NW Washington, DC 20548 Dear Comptroller General Dodaro: Passenger and freight railway traffic is a top contributor of unwanted and excessive sounds and vibrations (i.e., noise pollution). Noise pollution is emitted from train movements on tracks, horns and warnings, braking and engine idling and accelerating.  Noise pollution can reduce property values and labor productivity and have adverse health effects. The U.S. Department of Transportation is responsible for regulating railway noise pollution.  For example, the Federal Railroad Administration enforces regulations that set maximum sound levels from railroad equipment and locomotive horns. The Federal Transit Administration develops guidance for assessing noise pollution from transit projects that receive federal funding, including conventional rail lines. I am requesting that the U.S. Government Accountability Office conduct a comprehensive review of railway noise pollution.  The review should address the following questions: What factors contribute to railway noise pollution, and how much noise pollution can such factors emit? What actions can railway manufacturers and operators take to reduce railway noise pollution, and what are the costs and benefits of such actions? How can the federal government reduce negative effects associated with railway noise pollution? Thank you for considering this request. Sincerely, Eleanor Holmes Norton Ranking Member Subcommittee on Highways and Transit ###