State Rep. Walker Backs Legislation Fighting Airport Noise Pollution

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to address constant noise from local airports, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is backing legislation that would create income tax credits for area residents who choose to soundproof their homes against air traffic noise pollution.

“Major area airports like O’Hare and the Chicago Executive Airport bring important economic opportunities and activity to our area, but these positives come at the cost of noise pollution,” Walker said. “Providing incentives like tax credits for soundproofing is a reasonable solution to combat an often annoying and intrusive burden for residents.”

Walker is supporting House Bills 2193 and 2879, which would create an income tax credit for the purchase of materials, labor, and professional services to soundproof residential homes from aircraft noise. According to airport statistics, Chicago Executive Airport handled about 80,000 flights in 2016. In 2018, over 83 million people flew out of O’Hare International Airport.

“Chicago and our suburbs have long been a critical transportation hub, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of those living in the area,” Walker added. “We should offer the opportunity for residents to affordably improve their quality of life.”