State and local governments from regulating noise sources in many situations, noise abatement programs across the country lie dormant. (7) As population growth and air and vehicular traffic continue to increase, noise pollution is likely to become an even greater problem in the future. The health and welfare of our citizens demands that the Environmental Protection Agency, the lead Federal agency for the protection of public health and welfare, once again assume a role in combating noise pollution. 3. Reestablishment of office of noise abatement and control (a) Reestablishment The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall reestablish within the Environmental Protection Agency an Office of Noise Abatement and Control. (b) Duties The responsibilities of the Office include the following: (1) To promote the development of effective State and local noise control programs by providing States with technical assistance and grants to develop the programs, including the purchase of equipment for local communities. (2) To carry out a national noise control research program to assess the impacts of noise from varied noise sources on mental and physical health. (3) To carry out a national noise environmental assessment program to identify trends in noise exposure and response, ambient levels, and compliance data and to determine the effectiveness of noise abatement actions, including actions for areas around major transportation facilities (such as highways, railroad facilities, and airports). (4) To develop and disseminate information and educational materials to the public on the mental and physical effects of noise and the most effective means for noise control through the use of materials for school curricula, volunteer organizations, radio and television programs, publications, and other means. (5) To develop educational and training materials and programs, including national and regional workshops, to support State and local noise abatement and control programs. (6) To establish regional technical