photo by Josh Bassett
From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:
“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. (more…)
