New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05128

Introduced
2/19/25  
Refer
2/19/25  

Caption

Requires the New York city transit authority to outline in its annual report the procedures and methodologies used for the reduction and abatement of noise.

Summary

S05128 amends the Public Authorities Law to expand the New York City Transit Authority’s annual reporting requirements on subway noise abatement. The bill would require the Authority to provide the Governor and Legislature with a more detailed account of its efforts to reduce and abate noise, including itemized spending, bids, contracts, work completed, and any noise measurements taken during the reporting period, along with analyses when available. The measure also adds a requirement that the Authority describe the procedures and methodologies it uses to reduce noise across transit systems. That includes the techniques used to measure the effectiveness of noise abatement, maintenance practices and technologies that may contribute to noise, and evaluations of noise impacts from new equipment. Each annual report would also need to discuss planned noise abatement activities for the next 12 months and report on progress made on activities previously identified.

Impact

This bill would not create a new program or mandate direct spending, but it would increase transparency and oversight of the New York City Transit Authority’s noise mitigation efforts. It would amend section 1204-a of the Public Authorities Law to require more detailed annual reporting on subway noise abatement, including operational methods, performance assessment, and future planning. The reporting requirement could affect the Authority, state policymakers, and riders by making noise reduction efforts more measurable and easier to monitor.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the overall sentiment appears neutral to favorable toward improved accountability and public reporting. The bill is framed as an administrative and oversight measure rather than a controversial policy shift. No opposition or support was documented in the provided materials, so there is no evidence of significant public contention in the available record.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the added reporting burden on the New York City Transit Authority, including the need to compile detailed data on spending, methods, measurements, and future plans. Supporters would likely view these requirements as a reasonable way to improve transparency and track progress on subway noise reduction, while any critics might argue that the bill is duplicative, administratively burdensome, or better handled through existing capital reporting. No specific opposing stakeholders or objections were identified in the provided discussion materials.

Companion Bills

NY A05818

Same As Requires the New York city transit authority to outline in its annual report the procedures and methodologies used for the reduction and abatement of noise.

Previously Filed As

NY A05818

Requires the New York city transit authority to outline in its annual report the procedures and methodologies used for the reduction and abatement of noise.

MD HB617

City of Frederick - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems - Authorization

MD HB0617

City of Frederick - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems - Authorization

NY A10919

Requires the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey take steps to update noise exposure maps and take steps to reduce noise pollution around certain covered airports; defines covered airports.

CO SB26098

Concerning the applicability of certain noise abatement provisions, and, in connection therewith, reestablishing local authority with respect to noise abatement.

CO SB098

State & Local Noise Abatement Authority

VA HB55

Noise abatement monitoring systems; local authorities to place and operate, civil penalties.

MD HB948

City of Frederick, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems - Authorization and Extension

MD SB967

Howard County - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems - Authorization

VA SB1046

Data centers; noise abatement.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.