What legislation raised public awareness about aircraft noise?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was significant in raising public awareness about aircraft noise because it mandated federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of their proposed actions before making decisions. This includes the effects of noise pollution generated by aviation activities. NEPA introduced the practice of preparing Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements, which require consideration of noise impacts on communities, thus encouraging more public engagement and transparency regarding aircraft noise issues.

While other legislation, such as the Airport Safety and Noise Abatement Act and the Airport Noise and Capacity Act, also focus on noise issues, NEPA set the groundwork for broader environmental considerations, including public involvement and awareness. It highlighted the connection between federal actions and their effects on communities, drawing attention to noise as an environmental concern that needed to be systematically evaluated. This broader approach facilitated raised awareness among the public and led to a more informed discussion regarding the implications of aircraft noise.