Negating Neighborhood Noise Act of 2026

This bill changes federal law on using Highway Trust Fund money to build Type II noise barriers, which are walls added along existing highways to reduce traffic noise. It keeps the general ban on using the fund for these barriers but adds exceptions, including barriers along land developed before the highway was built and barriers that separate a highway from mostly residential buildings at least 10 years old. It makes these barriers eligible for Surface Transportation Block Grant funds. It also allows noise barriers to serve other uses, such as hosting renewable energy, power lines, or broadband equipment, with states able to approve those uses. Project sponsors must consider how the barriers look, following federal design guidance.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Nikema Williams Democrat sponsor
• 3 cosponsors