Carbajal Introduces Bill to Assist Communities Impacted by Space Launch Noise

Washington, June 6, 2025

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) introduced the Space Launch Noise Mitigation Study Act to require the Department of the Air Force (DAF) to assess the impact of space launch activity on neighboring communities and make recommendations for noise mitigation. The emergence of frequent sonic booms from the increase in space launches is a new phenomenon that requires additional studies to more comprehensively understand the impacts. This legislation will produce recommendations to inform a grant program that allows affected communities to install noise-mitigating technologies. 

“With space launches occurring more frequently, nearby communities have voiced concern over the intensifying noise and its effect on their quality of life,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This legislation is a crucial step forward in equipping communities with the necessary resources to reduce the disruptive impact of sonic booms and protect their well-being.”

As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Carbajal has worked to address space launch noise and its effect on local residents.

Last December, Rep. Carbajal secured language in the annual defense policy bill that – for the first time – acknowledged the impact of space launch noises on nearby communities and called for more resources to be allocated to communities impacted by the launches.