The Citizens Coalition Against Noise Pollution
Environmental Protection Agency
In 1972, the U.S. Congress enacted the Noise Control Act. It declared that the policy of the United States is to promote an environment for all Americans to be free from noise that jeopardizes their health or welfare. The Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC), was created within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to oversee the impact of noise on the general public. In 1982, funding to ONAC was virtually eliminated, depriving citizens of federal protection against noise and its deleterious effects.
We need to get the EPA involved in reducing noise pollution. If we can pressure the EPA and the U.S. Congress to take action, the effect would be tremendous. Noise levels are much worse than they ever were in the seventies.
Here is the mailing address and an example letter:
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of the Administrator
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
Date
Sir or Madam:
You fall asleep at night after a long day at work, and you are awakened by the sound of boom cars. It wakes up your entire family and you call the police to report it. Nothing happens and for the entire night, you and your family can’t sleep because of the noise. The next day, you are tired, angry and frustrated. Your day is ruined. And the next night, the same thing happens all over again.
My family is experiencing this almost every night. We cannot get a decent night of sleep because of the noise from car alarms, boom cars, and vehicles with modified muffler pipes. I have learned that millions of other families are going through this every night and the problem is getting worse.
Boom cars are vehicles equipped with powerful bass speakers that create a booming noise that can be heard more than a block away. Modified muffler pipes are installed in cars and motorcycles that create a deep rumbling sound. The corporations that manufacture and sell this equipment blatantly promote its use to disturb and harass people. They have also intensely lobbied against proposed noise pollution bills and ordinances in communities all over the country.
In a 2001 US Census survey, 11.8 million households said street or traffic noise was bothersome. An additional 4.5 million residents said it was so bad they wanted to move. The problem has grown beyond the reach and control of local and state governments, and the federal government should be aware and actively involved in protecting the public from an onslaught of noise pollution that is going to get much worse. Aftermarket car audio companies are developing "super woofers" that are designed to be even louder than a Boeing 747 at takeoff.
Sony car audio products called "X-Plod" use the slogan "Disturb the peace". Pioneer Electronics slogan is "Disturb, Defy, Disrupt, Ignite". They have produced advertisements that promote its use to create urban blight. I would like to know what responsibility and course of action the EPA will take on this issue.
Sincerely,
Your Name
E-mail