Congress Approves First-Ever Acknowledgement of Space Launch Noise Impacts on Nearby Communities, Compels Pentagon to Act on Mitigation

This week, Congress is advancing for the first time federal legislation that acknowledges the disruption that space launch noise has on nearby communities, as well as outlining steps it believes the Department of Defense should take to mitigate the impact of sonic booms and other disturbances.

The language was secured by Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and the federal representative for the communities surrounding the Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

"Residents of the Central Coast in Lompoc and other communities nearby Vandenberg have shared their growing concerns as increased space launch cadence makes launch noise a larger burden on their routines and quality of life," said Rep. Carbajal. "This language makes it clear to the Department of Defense that these are not concerns they can plug their ears and ignore. Congress will take these impacts seriously."

"I will continue working with the leadership at Vandenberg, the Department of the Air Force, and my region's residents to pursue the win-win solutions that protect both national security and the serenity of the Central Coast."

This will mark the first time Congress has approved language formally acknowledging the disruption that space launch noise can cause for nearby communities, a first step in improving federal response to the noise impacts.

Congressman Carbajal intends to build on this language in his next term with additional measures to better address the impact of increased launches, including but not limited to launch noise.

The language was included in the House report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, the annual defense policy bill crafted by the Armed Services Committees of both chambers.

"The cadence of national security space launches is increasing. While vital, the noise associated with launch, particularly sonic booms, can be disruptive to nearby communities. Facilities such as hospitals, daycares, schools, senior-living facilities, and private residences can all be impacted by noise disturbances," the language reads in part. "The Department [of Defense] already has a Community Noise Mitigation Program for fixed wing aircraft…it could be beneficial to stand up a similar program to make grants to communities impacted by national security space launches for the purpose of installing noise mitigating insulation at nearby facilities."

This year's bill passed the House this week, putting the language on track to be signed by President Joe Biden by the end of the month.