Massachusetts House Bill H3713

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Relative to noise report data and good neighbor policy at Beverly Regional Airport

Impact

The proposed bill reflects an increasing sensitivity to environmental concerns associated with aviation operations, especially in residential areas. By enforcing the collection of noise complaints and ensuring their public availability, the bill may foster an enhanced awareness of noise pollution issues. The data collected will also be instrumental for airport authorities and local governments in addressing resident concerns and shaping airport operational policies. This legislative push is expected to encourage better understanding and relations between aviation and neighborhood residents.

Summary

House Bill 3713 aims to address concerns related to noise pollution from activities at Beverly Regional Airport (BVY) in Massachusetts. The bill mandates the Massachusetts Aeronautics Division to systematically collect and publish noise complaint data made by residents against the airport. This data will encompass all relevant noise reports and complaints filed during the peak operational months of April to October and will be posted on the Division's public website for transparency. The bill emphasizes the importance of procedural accountability regarding local noise grievances and airports' responsibilities towards their surrounding communities.

Contention

There is likely to be contention surrounding the implications of this bill in terms of its implementation and effectiveness. Some stakeholders may argue about the feasibility of collecting comprehensive noise data and whether annual reports can accurately inform airport operations or community relations. Additionally, conflicts could arise regarding the perceived efficacy of the 'Good Neighbor Policy' that the bill seeks to create. Specifically, stakeholders may have differing views on how well this policy can be drafted and enforced among the pilots and flight schools operating at BVY, as they balance operational needs against the community's noise concerns.