What is the principal law supporting federal efforts to identify and reduce noise issues involving land use around domestic civil airports?

• A. Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 (ASNA)
• B. National Environmental Policy Act
• C. Clean Air Act
• D. Federal Aviation Act

Answer: (A)

This item tests which federal law created the programmatic framework for identifying airport noise issues and guiding land-use planning around domestic civil airports. The Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 is the correct choice because it specifically authorizes the FAA to identify noise problems near airports and work with airport sponsors to develop Noise Compatibility Programs. These programs address land-use planning and other measures to mitigate noise impacts on surrounding communities, forming the cornerstone of federal efforts in this area.

The National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies to assess environmental impacts of actions but does not establish the targeted framework for airport noise abatement and land-use planning. The Clean Air Act focuses on air pollutants rather than noise compatibility around airports. The Federal Aviation Act provides general authority over aviation safety and operations but does not establish the dedicated noise-abatement and land-use planning program created by ASNA.